Beef empanadas with avocado salsa

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Servings: 8 empanadas

Description

These crispy, golden beef empanadas are filled with a savory spiced beef mixture and paired with a creamy avocado salsa for a perfect balance of flavors. Great for appetizers, snacks, or a main dish!

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Ingredients

For the Beef Empanadas:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup ice water

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ lb ground beef (85% lean)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1 small tomato, diced

• ¼ red onion, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Empanada Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and ice water. Gradually add to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.

4. Knead lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft (about 3 minutes).

2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-6 minutes).

4. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat, stir in cilantro, and let cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles (use a bowl as a guide).

3. Place 2 tbsp of beef filling in the center of each circle.

4. Fold the dough over, sealing the edges with a fork or by crimping.

5. Beat the remaining egg and brush over empanadas for a golden finish.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Avocado Salsa

1. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomato, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and cilantro.

2. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix and serve with warm empanadas.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Empanada with Salsa)

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Tips & Variations

• Shortcut Option: Use store-bought empanada dough or puff pastry.

• Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño in the salsa for more or less heat.

• Make Ahead: Assemble empanadas and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes.

Enjoy these delicious beef empanadas with fresh avocado salsa—perfect for any occasion