Recipe for Cheesy Beef Empanadas
A classic homemade empanadas recipe with a pre-made crust, loaded with cheesy and beefy filling. Perfect for a family snack that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Classic Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe: A Family Favorite
A classic homemade snack with a pre-made crust and a loaded cheesy and beefy filling. This empanadas recipe ensures a food that your whole family will love!
Empanadas are a beloved classic snack that brings together the perfect combination of a flaky, pre-made crust and a rich, cheesy, and beefy filling. This recipe is designed to be both simple and delicious, ensuring that it becomes a favorite for your entire family. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a satisfying meal, these empanadas are sure to hit the spot. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these mouthwatering empanadas that everyone will love!
What is an Empanada?
Empanadas are a type of pastry that originated in Spain and Portugal and are now popular in many Latin American countries. They consist of a filling, which can be sweet or savory, enclosed in a folded or rolled pastry dough. The dough is typically made from flour, water, and fat, such as lard or butter, and can be baked or fried. Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, cheeses, vegetables, and fruits, making them a versatile and delicious snack or meal.
Origin of Empanadas
Cheesy Beef Empanadas are a baked or fried dish made of a pastry and a cheesy beef filling. However, in this recipe, I preferred to bake the empanada to give it a more bread-like texture rather than an oily fried one. Just don’t forget to brush it with a whisked egg on top to achieve a glossy and crispy texture on the outside and a soft, fluffy texture on the inside.
The origin of empanadas is still unclear, but they are believed to have come from Galicia, an autonomous region of Spain. The name "empanada" comes from the word empanar, which means “enbreaded” or wrapped or coated in bread. This pastry is very common in countries like Spain, the Philippines, and many Latin American countries.
When are Empanadas Typically Served?
Cheesy Beef Empanadas are typically served as an appetizer or side dish. However, in places like the Philippines, they are commonly eaten as a snack and are best served hot while the cheese is melting inside. Empanadas are typically served during parties or festivals as starters or main courses. They are also commonly served during special occasions like birthdays and even on Christmas.
Kitchen Utensils You Will Need
You will need the following kitchen tools and equipment to make the perfect Cheesy Beef Empanada:
- Mixing bowl
- Chopping board
- Cutting knife
- Electric/Wireless mincer
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Frying pan
- Pastry brush
- Baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Tongs
- Oven
- Rolling pin
- Dough scraper
- Dough cutter
Cheesy Beef Empanada’s Primary Ingredients – Ground Beef, Cheese, Onions, Carrots, All-Purpose Flour, Butter, and Eggs
When making the best empanadas, you have to perfect the filling and the dough to wrap the filling. For the filling, the primary ingredients are lean ground beef, cheese, onions, and carrots. There are many versions of empanada fillings, and it is up to you how you want your filling to taste or what they are made of. For this recipe, I prefer beef filling for a flavorful taste, and I gave it a twist by adding cheese to make it taste even better. After all, who doesn’t love cheese?
On the other hand, other important ingredients include all-purpose flour, butter, and egg, which make up the dough for the empanadas. Making the dough is as important as making the filling; you have to make sure the ingredients are proportional to make the perfect dough that can hold or wrap the filling enough to lock it without collapsing in the middle of baking or frying.
Interesting Facts About Empanadas
Empanadas are not just delicious; they also have a rich history and cultural significance. Here are some interesting facts about empanadas that you might not know:
- April 8 is National Empanada Day!
- Empanada is called Panada or Pastel in Indonesia.
- Argentina is the country that eats the most empanadas.
- Empanadas can be traced back to the Moorish invasions of Spain.
- In some cultures, empanadas are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
- Empanadas are often featured in festivals and fairs across Latin America.
Tips and Tricks in Making Empanadas
Making empanadas can be a fun and rewarding experience. To help you achieve the best results, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Let the dough rest. This will make the dough easier to roll out.
- Make sure the fillings are dry to prevent the dough from breaking apart.
- Use ice-cold water. This gives the dough a flaky texture once baked.
- Seal the edges properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking or frying.
- Experiment with different fillings to find your favorite combination.
- Preheat the oven or oil to the right temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
- Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create perfectly crispy and delicious empanadas that are sure to impress. Enjoy making and sharing this classic snack with your loved ones!
Ingredients
- 500g lean ground beef
- 1 medium sized carrot, minced
- 1 medium sized onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 medium sized potato, minced.
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 7 tbsp water
- 2 egg yolks
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Directions
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For the dough: In a mixing bowl, mix the flour, salt, egg yolks and water together.
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Mix together until it forms a clumpy dough.
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Pour the dough onto a flat-smooth surface and knead for 5-7 minutes.
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Cut the dough into 10-12 pieces. Roll each piece to form a ball then roll them out evenly into 6 inches circle using a rolling pin. Set aside.
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For the filling: Heat a large skillet. Saute onions and garlic. Add in the ground beef and stir. Add next the carrots and potatoes. Stir and cook until the beef are cooked through.
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Add salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat.
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Lay a piece of the dough you made in a flat surface. Add the beef filling and grated cheese on top. Leave enough space to lock the edges. Fold and press the edges with a fork. Repeat the steps for the remaining dough and filling.
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Beat egg in a small bowl. Then brush on top of each of the empanadas.
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Bake for 175 degree C for 20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot and enjoy! (Careful with the hot filling)
Empanadas are such a versatile dish. These delicious handy-sized snacks can be prepared with almost any kind of filling. Whether you like chicken, ground pork, ground beef, or even vegetables, it’s up to you how you want your empanadas to taste. Give your family a surprise by being creative with your filling. It’s just a matter of your imagination and making it a reality through your cooking that’ll surely wow your family and please their cravings.
Cheesy Beef Empanadas are a classic snack that is loved by people of all ages. With a rich and flavorful filling encased in a flaky pastry crust, these empanadas are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a satisfying meal, these empanadas are the perfect choice. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these mouthwatering empanadas that your whole family will love. Enjoy!