Craving empanadas? master the art with this ground beef bonanza!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade empanadas with our comprehensive guide. These golden-brown pockets of delight, filled with a savory ground beef mixture, are a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step tutorial will empower you to create these mouthwatering treats with ease.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary journey, ensure you have the following ingredients at your disposal:

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup cold water
• For the Filling:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing until the dough just comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.

Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Cut out circles of dough using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a glass.
4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges with a fork.
6. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the Culinary Delight

Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. These versatile treats can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas

• For a flaky crust, make sure the butter is cold and the water is icy.
• Don’t overwork the dough, as this will result in tough empanadas.
• If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
• Be generous with the filling, but don’t overfill the empanadas, as they may burst during baking.
• Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be very hot.

Variations

• Instead of ground beef, you can use other ground meats, such as pork, chicken, or turkey.
• Add other vegetables to the filling, such as corn, peas, or carrots.
• Season the filling with your favorite spices and herbs.
• Top the empanadas with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking.

Wrapping Up

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the culinary prowess to create delectable empanadas ground beef that will impress your family and friends. Experiment with different fillings and variations to discover your favorite combinations. May your taste buds dance with delight as you savor these savory pockets of perfection.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use pre-made dough for empanadas?

A: Yes, you can use pre-made dough to save time. Look for empanada dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.

Q: How can I prevent the empanadas from bursting during baking?

A: Make sure the dough is sealed well around the edges. You can also use a fork to prick the tops of the empanadas before baking, allowing steam to escape.

Q: Can I freeze empanadas?

A: Yes, you can freeze empanadas before or after baking. To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To freeze baked empanadas, let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.