Argentine Beef Empanadas

Crispy, savory, and utterly delicious, Argentine Beef Empanadas are the perfect treat for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. These pastry pockets are filled with seasoned ground beef and colorful peppers, showcasing the rich flavors of Argentine cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, these empanadas will certainly impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ground beef, spices, and fresh vegetables creates an irresistible filling.
• Homemade Dough: Making your own dough adds a personal touch that elevates the flavor and texture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as appetizers, snacks, or main dishes—they’re perfect for any occasion!
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to the filling for a personal twist.
• Fun Cooking Activity: Assembling empanadas is a great way to get the whole family involved in cooking!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delightful empanadas, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Frying pan
• Pot for frying
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect empanada shapes.
• Frying pan: Ideal for sautéing the filling ingredients to enhance their flavors.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

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

For the Filling:

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

How to Make Argentine Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add the boiling water, butter, and salt. Stir until the butter melts completely and the salt dissolves.
2. Gradually add flour into the bowl. Use your hands to knead until you form a shaggy but cohesive ball.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured countertop and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. If sticky, knead in additional flour one tablespoon at a time.
4. Wrap the dough in cling wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Heat vegetable oil over low heat in a large pan until warmed through.
2. Add diced yellow onions along with red and green bell peppers; sauté until halfway softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and salt; cook until onions are transparent.
4. Increase heat to medium and add ground beef; stir until browned.
5. Mix in tomato puree along with all seasonings (paprika, chili powder, oregano, dried garlic, dried parsley, sugar).
6. Cover partially and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and add green onions and chopped hard-boiled egg; mix well.
8. Allow filling to cool completely before assembling empanadas.

Step 3: Assemble Empanadas

1. Divide the rested dough into portions about the size of golf balls.
2. Roll each ball into thin disks on a floured surface.
3. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of cooled filling in each disk’s center; fold over half of the dough and pinch edges together.
4. Crimp edges tightly using a fork or twist small portions of dough for a braided appearance.

Step 4: Fry Empanadas

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add empanadas to hot oil; fry for about 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Enjoy your homemade Argentine Beef Empanadas!

How to Serve Argentine Beef Empanadas

Argentine Beef Empanadas are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and appeal. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to accompany these savory treats.

With Chimichurri Sauce

• Chimichurri is a fresh and tangy sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil. It adds a zesty kick that complements the rich beef filling perfectly.

Accompanied by Green Salad

• A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, flaky empanadas.

Served with Spicy Salsa

• A homemade or store-bought spicy salsa can elevate the flavor, adding a bit of heat and complexity to each bite of your empanada.

Paired with Sour Cream or Yogurt

• Creamy sour cream or yogurt offers a cooling effect against the spices in the empanada filling while adding a rich texture.

With Pickled Vegetables

• Pickled vegetables add a crunchy texture and tanginess that balances out the savory flavors of the beef empanadas beautifully.

How to Perfect Argentine Beef Empanadas

Creating perfect Argentine Beef Empanadas requires attention to detail and practice. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your empanadas turn out delicious every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter cold helps create a flaky crust when baking or frying your empanadas.
• Knead properly: Ensure you knead the dough until it’s smooth but not sticky; this makes for a better texture.
• Chill the filling: Allowing your filling to cool completely before assembling prevents soggy dough.
• Seal well: Make sure to pinch or crimp the edges tightly to avoid any leakage during cooking.
• Adjust frying temperature: Maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy empanadas without absorbing too much oil.

Best Side Dishes for Argentine Beef Empanadas

To create a well-rounded meal around Argentine Beef Empanadas, consider these delightful side dishes. Each one pairs wonderfully with our savory pockets.

1. Spanish Rice: Flavored with saffron or turmeric, Spanish rice provides a colorful and aromatic side that complements the empanadas nicely.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until charred offer a smoky flavor that pairs well with the richness of beef.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and onions brings sweetness and brightness to the meal.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty accompaniment that everyone loves.
5. Guacamole: Creamy avocado guacamole adds richness and flavor while enhancing the overall dining experience.
6. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw dressed in vinegar adds tanginess and freshness to balance out the savory empanadas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Argentine Beef Empanadas can be a joy, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for the perfect result.

• Bold dough preparation: Failing to knead the dough enough can lead to tough empanadas. Ensure you knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Bold overfilling: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to seal the empanadas properly. Stick to about 1 heaping tablespoon of filling per empanada.
• Bold skipping resting time: Not allowing the dough to rest can result in a chewy texture. Always let the dough sit for at least 2 hours before rolling it out.
• Bold incorrect oil temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature can either undercook or burn your empanadas. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C).
• Bold not chilling the filling: Using warm filling can cause soggy dough. Make sure to chill the filling completely before assembling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Argentine Beef Empanadas

• Place uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Argentine Beef Empanadas

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but note that this may result in a softer texture.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Argentine Beef Empanadas.

What ingredients are used in Argentine Beef Empanadas?

The main ingredients include ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices wrapped in a flaky pastry dough.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of these delicious empanadas.

How do I know when my empanadas are perfectly fried?

They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Frying should take about 3 minutes at the right temperature.

Can I bake Argentine Beef Empanadas instead of frying them?

Yes! For a healthier option, brush them with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

Argentine Beef Empanadas are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various fillings based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or main dish, these savory pockets are sure to impress. Try making them today!