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Savory Meat Empanadas with Flaky Crust

Savory Meat Empanadas with Flaky Crust

Savory meat empanadas are a deliciously satisfying treat that can elevate any gathering. With a golden-brown, flaky crust and a savory filling of spiced ground beef, these little pockets of goodness are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a cozy dinner. They’re easy to make, and their irresistible aroma will have everyone flocking to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These savory meat empanadas are not just tasty; they’re also versatile and fun to make. You can customize the filling to your liking, and they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later!

  • Flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Spiced beef filling that packs a flavor punch.
  • Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering.
  • Easy to customize with different fillings.
  • Great for meal prep and freezing.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for topping)

How to Make Savory Meat Empanadas

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. While the dough chills, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
  8. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
  9. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

  • Ensure the butter is very cold for a flakier crust.
  • Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting during baking.
  • Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.
  • Experiment with different spices in the beef filling for a unique flavor twist.

Easy Variations

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or olives to the filling for extra texture.
  • Use shredded cheese in the filling for a cheesy empanada.
  • Try a sweet filling with fruits and spices for a dessert version.

What to Serve With It

  • Fresh salsa or chimichurri for dipping.
  • A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
  • Guacamole for a creamy contrast.
  • Pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked empanadas; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Card

Savory Meat Empanadas
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Add water, form a ball, and refrigerate.
  2. Cook onion in a skillet until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
  3. Stir in cumin, pepper, and salt. Remove from heat and cool.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out dough, cut circles, and fill with beef mixture.
  5. Seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

Notes: For extra flakiness, keep all ingredients cold, and don’t skip chilling the dough!

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