Embark on a flavorful adventure with these Spicy Beef Empanadas, where the bold taste of seasoned beef is nestled in a golden, crispy pastry shell and topped with a cool and creamy cilantro-infused sauce. These handheld delights are a perfect blend of global flavors and comforting indulgence, sure to delight your taste buds and bring people together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Beef Empanadas with Cilantro Cream
These Spicy Beef Empanadas with Cilantro Cream are a true flavor explosion, blending the warmth of Latin American cuisine with the zesty brightness of fresh cilantro. The rich, spicy beef filling is perfectly complemented by the cool, creamy topping, creating a harmonious contrast of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a cozy, comforting meal, these empanadas are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Spicy Beef Empanadas with Cilantro Cream include ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for the filling, along with refrigerated pie crust or empanada dough, and for the cilantro cream, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative (for a vegetarian option)
- Pie Crust/Empanada Dough: Homemade empanada dough or puff pastry
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
How to Make Spicy Beef Empanadas with Cilantro Cream
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your work surface. Roll out the pie crust or empanada dough and use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out circles. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your work surface. Roll out the pie crust or empanada dough and use a round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out circles. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place a spoonful of the seasoned beef filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg or milk for a golden, crispy finish.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the empanadas until they’re golden brown and flaky, then let them cool slightly. While the empanadas are baking, prepare the cilantro cream by blending together the sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve the warm, freshly baked empanadas with a generous dollop of the cool, creamy cilantro cream on top. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or a touch of chipotle in adobo sauce to the beef filling.
- Cheese Filling: Experiment with different cheese fillings, such as queso fresco or shredded cheddar.
- Portable Bites: Bake the empanadas in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions.
- Flaky Perfection: Work the dough as little as possible and use a light touch when crimping the edges for the best texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh salad or a side of rice and beans.
Storage: Store the empanadas and cilantro cream separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the empanadas in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the empanadas in advance and freeze them until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Beef Empanadas with Cilantro Cream are a delightful balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of nutrients, including iron, vitamin C, and calcium. While they may be indulgent, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1 empanada with 2 tbsp cilantro cream
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the empanadas in advance and bake them just before serving. Assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until firm. Then, transfer the frozen empanadas to an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen empanadas directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use store-bought empanada dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought empanada dough or refrigerated pie crust can save you time and effort. Simply follow the package instructions for rolling and cutting the dough, then proceed with the filling and baking steps.
How can I make these empanadas vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and diced vegetables. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the bold, flavorful profile.
Can I freeze the baked empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze the baked empanadas for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. When ready to serve, reheat the frozen empanadas in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
What’s the best way to reheat the empanadas?
For the best texture, reheat the empanadas in the oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the empanadas for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Try These Next
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema
- Spicy Korean Beef Tacos With Avocado Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Beef Sliders With Tangy Slaw
Mouthwatering Spicy Beef Empanadas with Creamy Cilantro Sauce
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Spicy Beef Empanadas are a delightful fusion of flavor and texture, with seasoned ground beef encased in a flaky pastry and served with a refreshing cilantro cream. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Empanadas:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Cilantro Cream:
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. 2. Add cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. 3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. 4. On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough discs. Place a tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of each disc.
5. 5. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or crimping with your fingers.
6. 6. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
7. 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
8. 8. While the empanadas are baking, prepare the cilantro cream by combining sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
9. 9. Once the empanadas are done, serve them hot with the cilantro cream on the side.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Feel free to use your favorite salsa as an alternative to the cilantro cream.
These empanadas freeze well; just bake from frozen for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: empanadas, beef, spicy, cilantro, cream