Traditional Empanadas

Name: Traditional Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup green olives, sliced; 1/2 cup raisins; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp chili powder; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 2 packages (14 oz each) empanada dough discs; 1 egg, beaten

🕒 Prep: 30 min

🔥 Cook: 25 min

🍽 Serves: 10

★★★★★

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Empanadas are a delightful Latin American treat that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Packed with a savory beef filling and wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, these traditional empanadas are perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients for Traditional Empanadas

Ground beef serves as the hearty base for the filling, providing a rich, savory flavor. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, while bell pepper brings a mild sweetness and slight crunch. Diced tomatoes introduce a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the meat. Green olives offer a tangy contrast, and raisins add a touch of sweetness that complements the spices. The blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder infuses the filling with warm, earthy flavors. Finally, empanada dough discs encase the filling in a tender, flaky crust.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
If you can't find empanada dough, pie crust or puff pastry can be a good substitute.
Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
Use a small dish of water to moisten the dough edges for a tighter seal.

Serving Suggestions

These empanadas pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or a light tomato salsa. For a festive touch, serve with a side of chimichurri sauce or your favorite hot sauce for dipping. They also make an excellent addition to a picnic spread or as a hearty snack for game day gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze empanadas?: Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, add a few minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook them.
What other fillings can I use?: You can substitute chicken, cheese, or even veggies for the beef. Get creative with what you have on hand!
How long do empanadas stay fresh?: Stored in an airtight container, they can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Traditional Empanadas Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F, ensuring it's ready once you've assembled your empanadas. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Once it's no longer pink, drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, green olives, raisins, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove the skillet from heat and let the beef mixture cool slightly. This helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy. Lay out your empanada dough discs and place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each.

Fold each disc over to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a beautiful, golden finish.

Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in your preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they're golden brown and irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of savory and sweet with beef and raisins.
Easy to make with store-bought dough for convenience.
Great for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Customizable with your favorite fillings.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup green olives, sliced

1/2 cup raisins

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp chili powder

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

2 packages (14 oz each) empanada dough discs

1 egg, beaten

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.

3. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until vegetables are tender.

4. Stir in diced tomatoes, olives, raisins, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough disc.

7. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.