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Beef Empanadas

Crispy golden pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, olives, and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course with traditional Mexican flavors.

Total time
45 min
Servings
12
Calories
385
Protein
12g
Beef Empanadas
mexicanbeefappetizerfriedcomfort food

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ cup green olives, chopped
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 to taste salt and black pepper
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup ice water
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef and brown, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  4. 4

    Stir in chopped olives, raisins, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely.

  5. 5

    In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

  6. 6

    In a small bowl, whisk together egg and ice water. Pour into flour mixture and stir until dough comes together.

  7. 7

    Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

  8. 8

    Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 12 circles using a 4-inch cutter.

  9. 9

    Place 2 tablespoons filling on each circle. Fold in half and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp with a fork.

  10. 10

    Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or deep fryer. Brush empanadas with beaten egg.

  11. 11

    Fry empanadas in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

Tools you’ll need

  • large skillet
  • large mixing bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • rolling pin
  • 4-inch round cutter
  • fork
  • deep pot or deep fryer
  • candy/deep-fry thermometer
  • paper towels
  • wooden spoon

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