Savory Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe

Looking to bring a taste of Argentina to your kitchen? Look no further than these incredible Easy Beef Empanadas from Argentina! These classic empanadas encapsulate the soul of Argentina with a flaky homemade dough cradling a deeply savory beef filling. Picture this – a chilly evening, the comforting aroma of simmering beef and spices filling your kitchen, and your loved ones gathered around to help create these flavorful pockets of joy.

Empanada night quickly becomes a favorite in any household, not just for the delicious flavors but for the fun and togetherness it brings. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these Easy Beef Empanadas from Argentina are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. From rolling out the dough to sealing the edges, every step in making these empanadas is a joyous experience that transports you to the heart of Argentina, where food is not just a meal but a celebration of life and love.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings or accompaniments – swap the beef for chicken or go vegetarian, add your favorite veggies, and serve with tangy salsa or fresh guacamole. Empanadas are more than just a dish; they are a tradition that brings people together, creating memories that last a lifetime. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and embark on a culinary journey to Argentina with these irresistible Easy Beef Empanadas!

Quick Benefits

• Family-friendly cooking activity: Perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen and making memories together.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adaptable to suit different dietary preferences by swapping proteins or adding various vegetables.
• Traditional flavors with a modern twist: Offers a taste of Argentina’s beloved street food with the flexibility to experiment with different fillings and accompaniments.
• Make-ahead convenience: Components can be prepared in advance and stored for later use, making it a time-saving option for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe Recipe

• Authentic Argentinian Flavors: Transport yourself to Argentina with these classic beef empanadas that capture the essence of traditional street food.
• Family Fun and Bonding: Perfect for involving the whole family, from little hands helping with dough to everyone gathering around to fill and crimp the pockets.
• Comforting and Familiar: Picky eaters and kids love the familiar taste, making it a hit for weeknight dinners or gathering with friends.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like ground beef for chicken or plant-based meat, and bell peppers for corn or peas, allowing for a variety of flavors.
• Make-Ahead and Freeze: Prepare components in advance, freeze for up to a month, or store cooked empanadas for up to three days, making it convenient for quick meals or party appetizers.
• Cultural Experience: Embrace the rich tradition of empanadas in Argentina and Latin America, where each province has its unique take on the recipe.
• Dipping Options: Pair with tangy salsa chimichurri, fresh guacamole, or hot sauce for a burst of flavor.
• Bake or Fry: Enjoy the crispy bite of fried empanadas or opt for a healthier choice by baking them instead.
• Storage and Reheating Tips: Store in the fridge or freezer and reheat for a quick and convenient meal anytime.
• Pro Tips for Success: From resting the dough to sealing techniques, the recipe offers helpful tips to ensure your empanadas turn out perfect every time.

Ingredients for Savory Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe

Dough

• 3 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp boiling water
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Filling

• ½ cup tomato puree
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80% lean
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tsp dried garlic
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 3 small yellow onions, diced
• 1 hard boiled egg, chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 4 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Pro Tips for Savory Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe

To make these Easy Beef Empanadas from Argentina even more enjoyable, involve your family in the cooking process. Let your kids help with rolling out the dough and shaping the empanadas – it’s a fun activity that brings everyone together. The personal touch will make the meal even more special and memorable.

Don’t limit yourself to just ground beef for the filling. Feel free to experiment with different proteins like ground chicken or plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist. You can also customize the filling by adding colorful veggies like corn or peas, or swapping out bell peppers for a different flavor profile. Empanadas are versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

How to Make Savory Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Combine boiling water, butter, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until butter is melted and salt is dissolved.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Mix flour into the bowl and knead by hand until a shaggy but cohesive ball of dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes until smooth and not sticky. Add additional flour if needed, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Cover the dough with cling wrap and let it rest at room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours.

Step 5: Sauté Vegetables

Heat oil in a large pan over low heat. Add diced yellow onions, red pepper, and green pepper. Sauté until halfway softened.

Step 6: Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic and salt, then cook until garlic is softened and onions are translucent.

Step 7: Brown the Beef

Set the heat to medium and add ground beef, stirring until browned.

Step 8: Season the Filling

After browning, mix in tomato puree and all seasonings including paprika, chili powder, oregano, dried garlic, dried parsley, and sugar.

Step 9: Cook the Filling

Partially cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Finish the Filling

Take the meat mixture off the heat, then stir in the green onions and chopped hard boiled egg until well combined.

Step 11: Chill the Filling

Ensure the filling is thoroughly chilled before filling the empanadas.

Step 12: Portion the Dough

Divide the empanada dough into golf ball-sized portions and roll each into a thin disk.

Step 13: Fill the Empanadas

Add approximately 1 heaping tablespoon of filling to the center of each dough disk. Fold the dough in half and pinch the edges to seal.

Step 14: Seal the Empanadas

Seal the edges using a fork or pinch and twist small sections to create a braided look.

Step 15: Fry the Empanadas

In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas for approximately 3 minutes until crispy and browned.

Storage Tips

Once cooled completely, store the cooked empanadas in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the shaped uncooked empanadas on a tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, you can fry them from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time, or bake them directly on a parchment-lined tray for a convenient meal.

To reheat refrigerated empanadas, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If cooking from frozen, extend the reheating time to 15-20 minutes. Remember that resting the dough for at least 2 hours is crucial for a tender texture. Additionally, both the dough and filling can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator for easier assembly. You can also freeze both components for up to a month, ensuring a convenient and delicious meal anytime.

For the best results, ensure a secure seal by keeping the empanada edges free of filling, lightly moistening them with water or beaten egg, pressing firmly to join, and crimping with a fork or creating a decorative edge. Chilling the assembled empanadas for 15 minutes before cooking helps maintain their shape and prevents leaking during frying. If pressed for time, remember that you can use refrigerated pie crust, pizza dough, or store-bought empanada discs as substitutes for the homemade dough, each offering its own unique texture and delicious results with less preparation time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make a vegetarian version of these empanadas, consider substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed filling. You can also swap out the butter in the dough for vegetable shortening or margarine to make it vegan-friendly. Additionally, if you’re out of some fresh vegetables like bell peppers, feel free to use frozen mixed vegetables or canned corn and peas for a convenient alternative that still adds color and flavor to the filling.

For a quicker version of this recipe, you can use store-bought empanada discs or refrigerated pie crust instead of making the dough from scratch. This time-saving swap is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still craving homemade empanadas. Remember to adjust the baking time and temperature according to the package instructions for the pre-made dough to ensure a perfectly cooked final product.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these classic beef empanadas, create a build-your-own empanada bar for a gathering or family dinner. Lay out bowls of assorted fillings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and chopped cilantro to let everyone customize their empanadas before baking or frying. This interactive setup adds a playful element to the meal and allows each person to tailor their empanadas to their liking.

To elevate your empanada presentation, consider pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces in small ramekins. Offer options such as chimichurri sauce, creamy avocado dip, and spicy salsa for a burst of flavor. Placing the empanadas on a large platter with an array of colorful sauces not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also creates a delightful tasting experience where guests can mix and match different flavors.

FAQs for Savory Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe

Can I bake these empanadas instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these empanadas instead of frying them. Brush the assembled empanadas with beaten egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different from fried versions, but still delicious with a less oily finish.

How should I store and reheat leftover empanadas?

Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated empanadas in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or from frozen for 15-20 minutes.

Why is it important to let the dough rest for 2 hours?

Resting the dough for at least 2 hours is crucial because it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough more pliable and easier to roll without springing back. This rest time also helps the flour fully hydrate, resulting in a tender texture that still holds up during frying.

Can I prepare the dough and filling in advance?

Absolutely! Both the dough and filling can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Store the wrapped dough and cooled filling separately in the refrigerator. The chilled filling is actually easier to work with during assembly. You can also freeze both components for up to a month – just thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Easy Beef Empanadas from Argentina are more than just a recipe. They are a tradition, a taste of home, and a way to bring loved ones together around the dinner table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, the process of preparing and sharing these empanadas is sure to create lasting memories.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and serve them with your favorite dips and sides. Embrace the process of making the dough by hand and involve your family and friends in shaping these delightful pockets of flavor. And remember, whether fried or baked, these empanadas will always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Embrace the spirit of Argentina with these Easy Beef Empanadas and savor every delicious bite!