Authentic Cuban Beef Empanadas Recipe
Empanadas are a beloved hand-held treat found throughout Latin America, each region boasting its own unique spin on the classic. In Cuba, the empanada is a cultural icon, representing the vibrant blend of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences that define the island’s cuisine. These Cuban beef empanadas capture that essence, with a flaky pastry crust and a savory, spice-infused filling that will transport your taste buds to the lively streets of Havana.
Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a taste of the tropics, these Cuban beef empanadas are sure to delight. With their portable design and irresistible flavor, they’re the perfect appetizer, snack, or even main course, depending on your appetite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets these Cuban beef empanadas apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The buttery, flaky pastry crust provides a delightful contrast to the savory, well-spiced ground beef filling. The combination of cumin, oregano, and a hint of citrus creates a taste that’s quintessentially Cuban, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Havana with every bite.
These empanadas are also incredibly versatile and accessible. The ingredients are largely pantry or freezer staples, making them easy to whip up on a moment’s notice. Plus, they can be prepared in advance and frozen for convenient reheating, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cuban Beef Empanadas ❓
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
The beauty of this Cuban beef empanada recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus creates the authentic Cuban-inspired flavor profile that has made empanada recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cuban Beef Empanadas Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
• Step 3: Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices. Add the tomato paste and beef broth, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the filling has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
• Step 6: Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
• Step 7: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg wash.
• Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the empanadas are golden brown. Serve warm.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 70 minutes
Compared to traditional Cuban empanadas, which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this recipe saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 empanadas):
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
These Cuban beef empanadas provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 10% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use vegetable shortening or coconut oil in place of the butter in the dough, and omit the egg wash.
• Added protein: Mix in 1/2 cup of cooked lentils or black beans to the beef filling for an extra boost of protein.
• Boost vegetables: Finely chop and sauté bell peppers or spinach to mix into the beef filling.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Cuban beef empanadas.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the empanadas with a vibrant, citrus-based salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Complement the empanadas with a creamy avocado salsa or tangy mango chutney for dipping.
• For a festive gathering, create an empanada platter with a variety of fillings and dipping sauces.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overfilling the empanadas: Resist the temptation to overstuff the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Stick to the recommended 2-3 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
• Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash is crucial for achieving a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the empanadas. Don’t skip this step for the best visual and textural results.
• Baking at too high a temperature: Baking the empanadas at too high a temperature can cause the crust to brown too quickly before the filling is fully cooked. Stick to the recommended 400°F (200°C) oven temperature for best results.
• Not crimping the edges: Properly crimping the edges of the empanadas with a fork is essential for keeping the filling securely inside during baking.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Cuban beef empanadas retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Baked empanadas can also be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. Frozen baked empanadas can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and the crust is crisp.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the dough and filling in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. The filling can also be prepared a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When ready to assemble, simply roll out the chilled dough and fill the empanadas.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. The spices and seasonings will work well with any of these fillings, so feel free to experiment.
Are these empanadas gluten-free?
The standard recipe is not gluten-free, as it uses all-purpose flour in the dough. However, you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free blend or using almond or coconut flour. Just be sure to adjust the liquid ratios as needed.
Why are my empanadas leaking filling?
Overfilling the empanadas or not crimping the edges properly can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Make sure to use the recommended amount of filling and be diligent in sealing the edges with a fork to prevent any spills.
Can I add any other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! The filling is quite versatile and can be customized to your taste. Try adding diced bell peppers, peas, raisins, or even a splash of vinegar or lime juice to the beef mixture. Just be mindful of not overstuffing the empanadas.
Conclusion
These Cuban beef empanadas represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a festive appetizer or a satisfying main course, they’re sure to impress with their flaky crust and savory, spice-infused filling. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Cuban empanadas demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and let the tantalizing aroma of these empanadas transport you to the vibrant streets of Havana.
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