Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with Mini Beef Empanadas! These delightful little pastries are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick snack, these empanadas are your go-to! The warm, flaky crust wrapped around that seasoned ground beef filling is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! I love how you can make a big batch ahead of time, and trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “empanada!” You’re going to love them!
Ingredients for Mini Beef Empanadas
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – This is the star of the show! I like to use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease.
- 1 onion, chopped – It adds sweetness and depth to the filling. Chop it finely so it mixes nicely with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must! It brings a lovely aroma and flavor that makes these empanadas sing.
- 1 tsp cumin – This spice gives the filling a warm, earthy flavor. Trust me, it’s essential!
- 1 tsp paprika – I love the subtle smokiness it adds. You can use sweet or smoked paprika depending on your taste!
- 1/2 tsp salt – Just the right amount to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – A little kick to balance the richness of the beef.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – This is for sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection. Plus, it adds a lovely richness.
- 1 package of empanada dough – You can usually find this in the freezer section. It makes life so much easier!
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) – This gives your empanadas that beautiful golden color when baked.
Optional Ingredients
- Ground chicken or turkey – If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap out the beef for ground chicken or turkey. Just adjust the seasoning a tad to keep it flavorful!
- Chopped bell peppers – Adding some finely chopped bell peppers can give your filling a colorful twist!
- Chopped olives – For a Mediterranean flair, throw in some chopped olives for a briny bite.
- Cheese – A sprinkle of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, inside the empanadas can take them to a whole new level of deliciousness!
How to Prepare Mini Beef Empanadas
Cooking the Filling
Alright, let’s get that filling going! First, heat up the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. I love to let it get nice and warm before adding anything. Once it’s ready, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Next, add in the 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to get it cooked evenly. Now, here comes the magic! Stir in the 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes to let those spices really shine. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit.
Assembling the Empanadas
Now for the fun part—assembling those delicious empanadas! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking. While that’s heating up, roll out your empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. You want it thin but not too fragile. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Take a spoonful of your cooled beef filling and place it in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll burst! Then, fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Now, here’s my favorite tip: use a fork to press down on the edges and seal them tightly. It gives them that cute, crimped look and keeps all that tasty filling inside. Finally, brush the tops with the beaten egg for that golden finish!
Baking Instructions
With your empanadas assembled, it’s time to bake! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden brown and flaky. When they come out, let them cool for a couple of minutes before digging in. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in no time! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready to go.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and seasoned beef creates a mouthwatering filling that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These mini empanadas are always a hit at parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. Everyone loves finger food!
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences, making them a great option for everyone.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for later! They bake up beautifully from frozen, making it easy to have snacks on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these bite-sized treats! They’re fun to eat and perfect for little hands.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Mini Beef Empanadas turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to avoid any hiccups and ensure delicious results every time:
- Don’t Overfill: This is a biggie! It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much can cause your empanadas to burst open while baking. A good spoonful is just right!
- Seal Them Tight: Make sure to press down firmly with your fork when sealing the edges. You want to keep all that juicy goodness inside, and a good seal helps prevent leaks.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. It’ll firm up and be much easier to roll out and cut.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Everyone’s oven is a bit different, so keep a close watch on your empanadas as they bake. They should be golden brown, so adjust the time slightly if needed.
- Let Them Cool: This might be the hardest part, but letting them cool for a few minutes after baking allows the filling to set a bit. Plus, you won’t burn your mouth!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, add some chili powder or jalapeños to the filling!
- Make It a Family Affair: Get the kids involved! They’ll love helping with the filling and sealing, making it a fun activity for everyone!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with your amazing Mini Beef Empanadas. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to taste as you go!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delicious Mini Beef Empanadas, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about two empanadas. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
These little pockets of joy not only satisfy your cravings but also pack a decent protein punch with the ground beef. Pair them with a fresh salsa or dipping sauce, and you’ve got yourself a balanced snack that’s sure to please! Enjoy every bite without guilt!
FAQ About Mini Beef Empanadas
Can I make Mini Beef Empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Mini Beef Empanadas ahead of time is a fantastic way to save yourself some stress later. You can prepare them up to the point of baking, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the freezer. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, just take them out and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Easy peasy!
What can I serve with Mini Beef Empanadas?
Ooh, the dipping options here are endless! I love serving these little beauties with a side of fresh salsa, which adds a zesty kick. You could also whip up some guacamole for a creamy contrast, or even a tangy sour cream dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a chimichurri sauce for a burst of flavor! They’re delicious on their own, but these dips take them to a whole new level!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! If you want to switch things up, ground chicken or turkey work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that these meats can be a bit leaner than beef, so you might want to add a splash more olive oil or a little extra seasoning to keep the flavor vibrant. It’s all about adjusting to your taste, so feel free to get creative with your choice of protein!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious Mini Beef Empanadas, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. Let’s dive into the best ways to store and reheat these little gems!
To store your empanadas, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for a longer time, I recommend freezing them! Just wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When it’s time to enjoy those frozen empanadas, there’s no need to thaw them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re heated through and golden brown. If you’re reheating from the fridge, just pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. This way, you’ll keep that lovely flaky crust intact and make sure they’re piping hot inside!
Trust me, the smell of baking empanadas is worth the wait, and you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a fresh batch all over again! Enjoy every bite!
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Mini Beef Empanadas: 7 Irresistible Tips to Impress
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini empanadas 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mini Beef Empanadas are small pastries filled with seasoned ground beef. They are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 package of empanada dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out empanada dough and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of beef filling on each circle.
- Fold over and seal the edges with a fork.
- Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or dipping sauce.
- You can use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 empanadas
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Mini Beef Empanadas, Beef Pastry, Appetizer