Can You Bake Goya Beef Empanadas? Find Out With This Easy Recipe!

Empanadas, the beloved Latin American pastries filled with savory or sweet ingredients, are a delightful treat enjoyed by many. While traditionally fried, baking empanadas offers a healthier and equally delicious alternative. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer the question “Can you bake Goya beef empanadas?” and provide step-by-step instructions to help you create mouthwatering baked empanadas using Goya beef filling.

Ingredients

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1/4-1/2 cup ice water

For the Goya Beef Filling:

• 1 package (16 ounces) Goya beef empanada filling
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Other:

• 1 egg, beaten
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the Goya beef empanada filling and cook according to the package directions.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembling the Empanadas

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°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 heaping tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Baking the Empanadas

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
2. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

Tips for Baking Goya Beef Empanadas

• For a crispier crust, brush the empanadas with melted butter before baking.
• If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a knife to cut out the dough circles.
• To prevent the empanadas from bursting, make sure to seal the edges tightly.
• If you want to freeze the empanadas for later, bake them for 15 minutes, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Variations

• You can use other types of Goya filling, such as chicken, cheese, or spinach.
• Add your favorite seasonings or spices to the filling for extra flavor.
• Top the empanadas with shredded cheese or salsa before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the empanadas hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or snack.
• Pair them with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.

Beyond the Conclusion: Baking Goya Beef Empanadas – A Culinary Adventure

Baking Goya beef empanadas is a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. By following these detailed instructions and experimenting with different variations, you can create mouthwatering empanadas that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the journey of baking Goya beef empanadas is one that will leave you with a lifelong love for this delectable treat.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use pre-made empanada dough?
A: Yes, you can use pre-made empanada dough to save time. However, homemade dough typically yields better results.

Q: How can I prevent the empanadas from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I bake the empanadas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the empanadas up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Q: How long can I freeze the empanadas?
A: You can freeze the empanadas for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them.

Q: What is the best way to reheat the empanadas?
A: The best way to reheat the empanadas is to bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.