Beef empanadas are the perfect picnic food! Whether you’re looking for a main dish or a side, these delicious empanadas are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make and can be served hot or cold, making them the perfect picnic food. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover beef you may have in the fridge.
So, if you’re looking for a delicious picnic side dish, beef empanadas are the way to go!
Beef Empanadas
What Are Beef Empanadas?
Beef empanadas are a delicious and convenient picnic food that can be enjoyed by everyone.
These savory pastries are made with a flaky pastry dough that is filled with a flavorful beef filling. The beef filling is usually made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices.
The empanadas are then baked until golden brown and served warm. They make a great side dish for any picnic and can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
Empanadas are also a great way to use up leftovers, as you can fill them with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack or a delicious side dish, beef empanadas are sure to be a hit at your next picnic.
Ingredients to Make Beef Empanadas
Whether you’re looking for a side dish to bring to a picnic or a tasty snack to enjoy at home, beef empanadas are the perfect choice. These savory pastries only require a few ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 hot pepper (or jalapeno if available)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- pinch of salt
- pinch of ground black pepper
- previously prepared pie dough
- 1 egg
How to Make Beef Empanadas
Make Beef Empanadas:
On the cutting board, with a sharp knife, chop the green hot pepper and the onion into small pieces. Then mince the garlic.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add garlic and green hot pepper and cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the ground beef and cook until light browned.
Stir in the taco seasoning and add the tomatoes, then bring to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
Place the previously prepared pie dough on the working surface and roll it with a rolling pin until you get the desired thickness. Cut circles from the dough. You can use the top of the glass to do it or some cookie mold.
Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of a dough circle, if your circles are bigger you can add more filling. Make sure you have enough space left to shape the empanadas later. Brush one side of the dough with water and fold it in half over the filling. Press it with your fingers to stick it, then use a fork to make some mark on the edges as you can see on the video. Repeat the same procedure with all the remaining dough circles and filling.
Put the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush the Beef Empanadas with egg wash.
Bake in the preheated oven to 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Variations on Fillings for Beef Empanadas
Beef empanadas offer great versatility when it comes to alternate fillings.
- Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace the beef with a hearty mix of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, and beans. Add cheeses such as mozzarella or feta for added creaminess.
- Seafood Empanadas: A mix of shrimp, crab, and white fish can make an excellent filling. Be sure to add aromatic herbs like cilantro and spices like paprika for a burst of flavor.
- Chicken Empanadas: Substitute the beef with shredded chicken. You can elevate this filling with some smoked paprika and sliced olives.
- Cheese and Spinach Empanadas: A lighter option can be a mixture of spinach and a cheese of your choice. A hint of nutmeg can bring out the flavors beautifully.
- Pork and Apple Empanadas: Use cooked, shredded pork and add diced apples for a sweet and savory combination.
Remember, the beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out your own combinations.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Empanadas
Beef empanadas are a delicious and easy-to-make picnic food. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a beachside picnic, these savory pastries are sure to be a hit.
Empanadas are a great side dish to serve alongside your favorite grilled meats and vegetables. They can also be served as a main course, with a side of salad or rice.
For a truly unique experience, try serving beef empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces. From a classic chimichurri to a spicy salsa, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to add a few extra empanadas to the picnic basket for a tasty snack later on!
Beef empanadas are a delicious and easy-to-make picnic food that can be enjoyed by everyone.
With the right ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can make the perfect beef empanadas for your next picnic.
Serve them with a variety of sides and sauces for a delicious and satisfying meal.
With these tips and tricks, you can make sure your beef empanadas are the star of the picnic. So, get creative and enjoy the deliciousness of beef empanadas!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are beef empanadas?
Beef empanadas are a type of pastry filled with a savory beef filling. They are a popular picnic food and side dish, and are often served with a variety of sauces and condiments.
What ingredients are needed to make beef empanadas?
To make beef empanadas, you will need ground beef, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and empanada dough.
How do you make beef empanadas?
To make beef empanadas, start by sautéing the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a pan. Add the ground beef and seasonings and cook until the beef is cooked through. Roll out the empanada dough and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle and fold over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges to seal and brush with egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
What tips can you offer for making the perfect beef empanadas?
For the perfect beef empanadas, make sure to use a good quality empanada dough. Also, be sure to season the beef mixture generously and to crimp the edges of the empanadas tightly to ensure that the filling does not leak out during baking.
What are some serving suggestions for beef empanadas?
Beef empanadas can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. They can be served with a variety of sauces and condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or hot sauce. They can also be served with a salad or other side dishes.
Are beef empanadas a healthy option?
Beef empanadas can be a healthy option depending on the ingredients used. To make them healthier, use lean ground beef and whole wheat empanada dough.
How long do beef empanadas last?
Beef empanadas can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
More Fun Picnic Ideas You’ll Love
Planning a picnic can be so much fun! To help you get your little outdoor excursion pulled together, we’ve got some more fun picnic ideas we think you’ll love:
- 17 Picnic Desserts That Don’t Need Refrigeration
- Classic Italian Picnic Sandwich
- How to Plan an Authentic Italian Picnic
- 17 Breakfast Picnic Ideas
Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 hot pepper or jalapeno if available
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- pinch of salt
- pinch of ground black pepper
- previously prepared pie dough
- 1 egg
Instructions
Make Beef Empanadas:
- On the cutting board, with a sharp knife, chop the green hot pepper and the onion into small pieces. Then mince the garlic.1 small onion, 1 hot pepper, 3 garlic cloves
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add garlic and green hot pepper and cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent berning.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 hot pepper
- Add the ground beef and cook until light browned.1 pound ground beef
- Stir in the taco seasoning and add the tomatoes, then bring to a simmer. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.3 tbsp taco seasoning, 15 oz diced tomatoes, pinch of salt, pinch of ground black pepper
- Place the previously prepared pie dough on the working surface and roll it with a rolling pin until you get the desired thickness. Cut circles from the dough. You can use the top of the glass to do it or some cookie mold.previously prepared pie dough
- Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center of a dough circle, if your circles are bigger you can add more filling. Make sure you have enough space left to shape the empanadas later. Brush one side of the dough with water and fold it in half over the filling. Press it with your fingers to stick it, then use a fork to make some mark on the edges as you can see on the video. Repeat the same procedure with all the remaining dough circles and filling.
- Put the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tbsp water. Brush the Beef Empanadas with egg wash.1 egg
- Bake in the preheated oven to 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
