Beef Empanadas with Flour Tortillas: The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Delights

Craving a taste of Latin American flavors? Beef empanadas, with their crispy, flaky crust and savory filling, are a culinary masterpiece that can be easily recreated at home using flour tortillas. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to make beef empanadas with flour tortillas, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Dough (If Not Using Flour Tortillas):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions for the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cilantro, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook until the filling has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Instructions for the Dough (If Not Using Flour Tortillas):

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll them out into thin circles.

Assembling the Empanadas:

1. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of a flour tortilla or rolled-out dough circle.
2. Fold the tortilla in half and press the edges together with a fork or empanada press.
3. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Cooking the Empanadas:

• Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the beef empanadas with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack.

Tips for Success:

• For a richer flavor, use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork.
• If you don’t have flour tortillas, you can use pre-made pie crusts or pizza dough.
• To prevent the empanadas from breaking apart, make sure to seal the edges tightly.
• Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent the filling from bursting out.

Perfect Pairings:

• Side Dish: Serve the empanadas with a side of rice, beans, or salad.
• Beverage: Pair the empanadas with a cold beer, sangria, or non-alcoholic horchata.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace the ground beef with chopped vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and peas.
• Chicken Empanadas: Use cooked and shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
• Cheese Empanadas: Add shredded cheese to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques

• Braising the Beef: For a more tender and flavorful filling, braise the ground beef in a slow cooker with beef broth and your favorite seasonings.
• Making Your Own Chimichurri Sauce: Elevate the empanadas with a homemade chimichurri sauce made with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil.
• Experimenting with Different Doughs: Try using cornmeal, masa harina, or even puff pastry for a unique twist on the classic flour tortilla dough.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I freeze the empanadas before cooking them?
A: Yes, uncooked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before baking or frying.

Q: What is the best way to reheat empanadas?
A: To reheat baked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. To reheat fried empanadas, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the empanadas for 1-2 minutes per side, or until warmed through.

Q: How can I make the empanadas less greasy?
A: To reduce greasiness, drain the ground beef well before adding it to the filling and use absorbent paper towels to blot any excess oil from the empanadas after cooking.