There’s somthing deeply comforting about the warm, flaky embrace of a perfectly baked empanada – a little pocket of savory joy that speaks to both tradition and home-cooked goodness. In this article, we’re diving into a recipe that’s as hearty as it is simple: easy beef and potato empanadas that bring together tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and a blend of spices wrapped in golden pastry. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventure, these homemade empanadas offer a delicious way to savor classic flavors with minimal fuss. Join us as we uncover the secrets to crafting these satisfying treats that are perfect for any meal or snack, and guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Hearty & Homemade: Easy Beef and potato empanadas Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings warmth to your table, these beef and potato empanadas deliver with every flaky bite. Rooted in Latin American tradition, this hearty & homemade: easy beef and potato empanadas recipe combines the rich savoriness of perfectly cooked beef with the creamy, tender potato filling, making it a timeless favorite for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield
This recipe makes approximately 12 medium-sized empanadas, perfect for serving 4-6 hungry guests.
Difficulty Level
Medium: Requires some patience for folding and sealing, but totally manageable even for keen home cooks!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably chuck for maximum flavor)
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but traditional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk the egg with vinegar and cold water,then gradually add this liquid to the flour mixture,stirring gently until it just comes together. Knead lightly on a floured surface, form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the potatoes: Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until fork-tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and mash gently with a fork, leaving some texture for creaminess.
- Prepare the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes.Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits. Let it simmer until moast liquid evaporates, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the mashed potatoes and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using). Mix thoroughly to create a creamy yet hearty filling. Let cool slightly.
- Roll and fill: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 5-inch round cutter, cut circles and place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each.
- Fold and seal: fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Lightly moisten the edges with water, then seal by pressing edges firmly together. For a professional touch, pleat the edge by folding small sections inward along the edge, creating a decorative seal that holds tight during baking.
- Bake to golden perfection: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with beaten egg for a lustrous, golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp, flaky, and beautifully golden brown.
Chef’s notes & Tips for Success
- For the most flavorful beef,choose chuck roast or ground chuck with some fat content - it ensures juicy filling without drying.
- The potato filling should be creamy but still hold its shape. Slightly undercook the potatoes so they don’t turn mushy.
- If you prefer, swap russet potatoes with Yukon Gold for a naturally buttery taste.
- Don’t overfill your empanadas – about 2 tablespoons per empanada is ideal to avoid bursting when baking.
- Practice your crimping by folding one empanada first and adjusting based on ease and decorative appeal.
- Make ahead: Dough and filling can be prepared a day before. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy, Golden Empanadas
Serve these savory delights warm, accompanied by classic chimichurri sauce or a dollop of creamy garlic aioli. Garnish with fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions to add a splash of color and freshness. Pair with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal bursting with textures and flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (Per Empanada)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 280 kcal | 15 g | 24 g | 12 g |
For a deeper dive into authentic empanada recipes and techniques, visit our comprehensive guide. to understand the best cuts of beef for flavor and tenderness, check out this official beef cuts resource.
Q&A
Q&A: Hearty & Homemade – Easy Beef and Potato Empanadas Recipe
Q1: What makes beef and potato empanadas a perfect comfort food?
A1: Beef and potato empanadas combine tender, savory ground beef with creamy, buttery potatoes wrapped in a flaky pastry. This harmony of hearty flavors and textures delivers a satisfying bite that feels like a warm hug from the inside – ideal for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.Q2: Can I customize the filling to suit my taste?
A2: Absolutely! This recipe is a flexible canvas. Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness, add spices like smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky kick, or toss in diced bell peppers and olives for extra depth.The key is balancing the beef’s richness with complementary ingredients.Q3: Is making homemade empanada dough complex?
A3: Not at all! The recipe uses simple pantry staples-flour,butter,water,and a pinch of salt-to create a tender,flaky dough. with a little hands-on mixing and rolling, you’ll have a dough that’s both easy to handle and deliciously crisp after baking or frying.
Q4: Should I bake or fry these empanadas?
A4: Both methods work beautifully. Baking yields a golden,less oily empanada perfect for a lighter meal,while frying offers a crispy,golden crust with that irresistible crunch. Choose based on your preference or occasion.
Q5: How do I prevent the filling from making the dough soggy?
A5: To keep things crisp, ensure the beef and potato filling is cooked and cooled slightly before filling the dough. Also, don’t overstuff your empanadas-just enough filling to fold comfortably. A light brush of beaten egg wash seals the edges and helps create a barrier against sogginess.
Q6: can I prepare these empanadas ahead of time?
A6: Definitely! assemble and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to cooking time. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or unexpected guests.
Q7: What sides or dips complement beef and potato empanadas?
A7: Empanadas pair wonderfully with fresh chimichurri,tangy salsa verde,or a creamy garlic aioli. For sides, consider a crisp mixed green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a zesty corn salad to balance the richness.Q8: Are empanadas suitable for meal prepping or lunchboxes?
A8: Yes! Beef and potato empanadas are portable, satisfying, and taste great even when served cold or reheated. They make excellent additions to lunchboxes or packed picnics, offering a wholesome, filling option on the go.
This Q&A not only answers common queries but also inspires you to get creative with your empanadas, ensuring your homemade batch is always hearty, delicious, and uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
key Takeaways
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just stepping into the world of homemade pastries, these hearty beef and potato empanadas offer a comforting blend of flavors that are sure to delight. Easy to prepare and bursting with savory goodness, they make the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal anytime you crave something warm and satisfying. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bring a little taste of tradition to your kitchen-because sometimes, the simplest homemade recipes create the most unforgettable moments.
