Beef Empanadas Recipe
Beef Empanadas (also called empanadas) is a type of ground beef turnover. Empanada is of Hispanic influence which was adopted by the colonies and prepared according to the local preference. For example, the empanada in Spain is not exactly the same as those in Latin American countries, and even in the Philippines. This Beef Empanadas…
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Beef Empanadas (also called empanadas) is a type of ground beef turnover. Empanada is of Hispanic influence which was adopted by the colonies and prepared according to the local preference. For example, the empanada in Spain is not exactly the same as those in Latin American countries, and even in the Philippines. This Beef Empanadas Recipe will give you a straightforward explanation of what an empanada should be. It’s time to get your taste buds working.
I used to make this version of beef empanadas when I was just starting out my cooking adventure. The recipe is simple and very easy to follow. The beef filling is easier to prepare compared to giniling, while the dough can be perfected with a little patience.
I understand that most of us don’t have the luxury of time. If you are in a hurry, you can still make your own beef empanada by cooking the filling — and use ready made rolled pie crust. The pie crust might not be as good as our dough, but it is enough for you to complete your empanada faster with lesser effort.
This recipe requires you to deep fry the empanadas, but you can also bake it if you prefer it less greasy. I suggest that you follow the steps that I did when I made baked chicken empanada.
How to Make Beef Empanadas
This recipe consists of three general steps:
Cookย the filling
The filling of the empanadas will be the main factor for the overall taste of your dish; this has to be delicious. We will be using ground beef for this recipe. The beef will be sauteed with the onion, green peas, raisins, and the filling ingredients. Once you are done making the filling, just put it in a plate and let it cool down. You will need it later on when the dough is ready.
Make the dough
You will need to make the dough from scratch. The dough needs to be flaky, so we will be using a pastry blender. It is sometime called a pastry cutter. It is a simple tool used to mix solid fat (which is the butter, for this recipe) into the flour mixture. Once all the dough ingredients are combined and well blended, we will need to place it in the refrigerator so that the butter can harden. This helps develop the nice flaky texture.
Secureย the filling in the dough and fry
The last steps that needs to be done are to seal the filling that you recently made in the dough and fry the beef empanadas. Grab a portion of the dough and flatten it using a rolling pin. One the dough is flat, arrange the filling in the middle and fold the dough to secure the filling. That’s it! All we need to do now is fry the empanadas. You will see the detailed steps in the empanadas recipe below.
Try this Beef Empanada recipe. Let me know what you think.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag us on Instagram at @panlasangpinoy or hashtag #panlasangpinoy so we can see your creations!
Beef Empanada Recipe
Ingredients
Filling ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef 85% lean
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1 yellow onion minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Dough ingredients:
- 3 cups AP flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into 8 parts
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 6 tablespoons ice cold water
- 3 cups cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- Make the filing by heating 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan.
- Saute the onion and then add the ground black pepper.
- Put-in the beef and then cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the raisins, paprika, sugar, and salt. Stir and then pour-in the beef broth.
- Cover and then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the cover and let the liquid evaporate.
- Add the green peas.Stir and then cook for 2 minutes.
- Turn-off the heat. Set aside.
- Prepare the dough by placing the salt, AP flour, baking powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Use a wire whisk to mix the ingredients.
- Put the butter pieces in the mixing bowl along with the cold water. Mix using a pastry blender. If you don’t have one, use 2 kitchen knives instead. You should mix like you are cutting the dough in several pieces.
- Grab about 3 tablespoons of the mixture and then shape it into a ball. do this until all the dough is consumed.
- Refrigerate the dough balls for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Flatten the dough ball by gently pressing the center with your hand against a clean flour-dusted flat surface. Use a rolling pin to spread the dough and make a flat circle about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.
- Arrange about 4 to 5 tablespoons of filling in the middle of the dough. Lock the edges by folding or by pressing the tip of a fork in both sides.
- Meanwhile, heat about 2 to 3 cups of oil in a cooking pot. Deep fry the empanadas for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the color turns golden brown.
- Remove from the cooking pot and then arrange in a plate lined with paper towels. Let the excess oil drip-off.
- Transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve. Share and enjoy!
Dolores Mapili says
Lovely combination of colors. I put potatoes on mine. Taste incredible. Thank you Vanjo.
SheilaAnn says
I really love your blog its very helpful. I just have a question can we bake the empanadas instead of frying them?
Thank you and more power to your blog..
Ness says
Hi Kuya Vanjo! Just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate you sharing all of your tips and recipes here at Panlasang Pinoy. ๐ I’ve been using some of your recipes for quite some time now and has recommended your website to my friends and family.Thank you so much!!! ๐
Amy says
Why is it in beef empanada potatoes are not mentioned but included in chicken empanada? Is it better not to put potatoes in making beef empanada? Thanks.
Vanjo Merano says
Although they might appear to be the same, both recipes have a lot of differences. This beef empanada recipe does not require you to add potatoes, but it is up to you if you prefer to add some.
MACH says
its really good..i tried this recipe and i have been craving for empanadas since i moved.thank you much vanjo…
bhel says
Hi, can you also give us the cooking procedure for baked empanadas. Thank you.
Vanjo Merano says
Bhel, you can get the procedure by following the details in this Chicken Empanadas Recipe
Vanjo Merano says
Ayie, it was meant for glazing since I was deciding if I will bake it or not. I ended up frying the empanadas since I haven’t tried fried empanadas for a while. The egg was removed in the recipe list.
Oscar De Lara says
I love your work. You are the real deal Vanjo! I hope that you will be given recognition someday because you deserve it. You did an excellent job in presenting the Filipino culture through food in a way that sticks to everyone. I think that it is a skill and a talent considering that there are other people trying to do the same things that you perfected. Kudos to you and please continue to perform your mission because we need you.
Vanjo Merano says
Thanks for the kind words.
Janet says
How come I can no longer view the comments posted? They are always helpful
Vanjo Merano says
I think its because you are the first person to comment in this post. The other posts have all approved comments displayed.