How To Make Beef Empanadas With Flour Tortillas: A Step-by-step Guide!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Argentinian cuisine with this step-by-step guide on how to make beef empanadas with flour tortillas. Empanadas are savory pastries filled with a delectable mix of beef, vegetables, and spices. Using flour tortillas as the base simplifies the process, making it accessible to home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Flour Tortillas:

• 1 package (12 count) flour tortillas
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
• Add the onion, bell pepper, and peas to the skillet and cook until softened.
• Stir in the cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

2. Assemble the Empanadas

• Place a flour tortilla on a flat surface.
• Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef filling into the center of the tortilla.
• Fold the tortilla in half, pressing the edges together to seal.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges.

3. Prepare the Egg Wash

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.

4. Brush with Egg Wash

• Brush the empanadas with the egg wash. This will help them brown in the oven.

5. Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve

• Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas

• Use high-quality ground beef for a richer flavor.
• Don’t overfill the empanadas, as they may burst in the oven.
• Crimp the edges securely to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• If you don’t have flour tortillas, you can use egg roll wrappers or puff pastry sheets.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils.

Variations:

• Add shredded cheese to the filling for a cheesy twist.
• Top the empanadas with sliced olives or hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor.
• Experiment with different spices, such as oregano or chili powder.

Beyond the Basics:

• Empanada Dough from Scratch: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own empanada dough.
• Different Shapes: Empanadas can be shaped into triangles, crescents, or even circles.
• Sweet Empanadas: For a sweet treat, fill the empanadas with fruit, chocolate, or dulce de leche.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the empanadas up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake them according to the instructions.

Q: How do I reheat empanadas?
A: To reheat empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: What dipping sauces go well with empanadas?
A: Traditional dipping sauces for empanadas include chimichurri, salsa, or guacamole.