Authentic Beef Empanadas
Flaky pastry filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices, baked to golden perfection.
30 mins
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
6
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onions until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Finish the filling: Mix in chopped olives and hard-boiled egg. Let the filling cool completely.
Assemble empanadas: Roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 5-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold over, and crimp edges with a fork.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with chimichurri or salsa.
Chef's Tips
- Dough Tip: Keep the dough cold for easier handling and flakier results.
- Filling Variations: Substitute beef with chicken, cheese, or spinach for different flavors.
- Freezing: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Sealing: Ensure edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder to taste for more or less heat.
