Homemade Beef Empanadas

If you’re looking for a savory, handheld treat that’s bursting with flavor, our Beef Empanadas are the perfect choice. These delicious pastries are filled with a spiced beef mixture and encased in a flaky, almond flour crust. They make for an excellent appetizer, snack, or even a satisfying main dish. Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering empanadas from scratch!

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Dough:

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the water to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer the mixture until most of the liquid has evaporated and the filling is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the almond flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Add this mixture to the almond flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
4. Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.
2. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Tips and Variations

• Filling Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients such as olives, raisins, or different types of cheese.
• Make Ahead: Empanadas can be assembled and frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa or sour cream, for added flavor.

Our Beef Empanadas are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory beef filling and crispy almond flour crust, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

We’d love to see how your empanadas turn out! Share your cooking results in the comments or tag us on social media with your tasty creation.