How to Create a Homemade Beef Empanada Dinner
When you think of comfort food that is both delicious and satisfying, beef empanadas should definitely come to mind. These little pockets of joy are a staple in many cultures around the world, known for their flaky pastry and rich, savory fillings. Luckily, making a beef empanada dinner at home is not only simple, but it’s also an enjoyable process that can bring the whole family together.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure we have everything needed. The good news? You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for your homemade beef empanada dinner:
Ingredients:
- For the Empanada Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- ¼-½ cup of cold water
-
A pinch of salt
-
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Fork
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Make the Dough
Begin by making the empanada dough since it needs to rest. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your fingers to mix it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the egg in a small bowl, then add it to the flour mixture. Gradually add cold water and knead until a dough forms. Wrap it in plastic and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
While the dough is resting, it’s time to prepare the beef filling. Heat a bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned. If using, stir in the hard-boiled egg and olives. Set aside to cool.
3. Preheat Your Oven
This is a good time to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your empanadas are assembled.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Take the dough out of the fridge and divide it into 12 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a thin circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
5. Assemble the Empanadas
Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto one half of each circle of dough. Don’t overfill, or you may have difficulty sealing them. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges together, ensuring they are well sealed.
6. Bake
Place your empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can brush the tops with an egg wash (1 beaten egg with a tablespoon of water) for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Your homemade beef empanadas are now ready to be devoured! They can be served as they are or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like a spicy salsa or creamy guacamole. This meal is not only satisfying but also has the heartfelt touch of home-cooked food.
Conclusion
Creating a beef empanada dinner from scratch may seem like a daunting task at first, but with these simple steps, it’s quite achievable and incredibly rewarding. Not only do you end up with a delicious meal, but the process of making them can be a fun and engaging activity for everyone involved. So, the next time you’re thinking of a comforting and tasty dinner idea, remember that homemade beef empanadas are sure to impress.
