Best 2 Ground Beef Empanadas Picadillo Recipes

**Empanadas de Picadillo: A Savor of Hispanic Heritage**

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Hispanic culture with this delectable journey into the world of empanadas de picadillo. These golden-brown pockets of delight, also known as pastelitos de carne, are a staple in many Latin American countries, each with its unique twist. From the savory picadillo filling bursting with ground beef, aromatic spices, and tender vegetables to the flaky and crispy pastry that encases it, these empanadas are a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you prefer the traditional deep-fried method or the healthier baked alternative, this comprehensive guide offers two irresistible recipes that cater to your culinary preferences. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a detailed ingredient list, making homemade empanadas de picadillo has never been easier. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this culinary adventure to create these mouthwatering treats that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Latin American cuisine.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CUBAN-STYLE PICADILLO

Classic Cuban-Style Picadillo image

Here is a classic Cuban recipe for ground beef that is typically eaten over white rice. It can also be used as a filling for tacos or empanadas. It's delicious with fried ripe plantains.

Provided by Amalloch

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste
1 small onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
6 large pitted green olives, quartered
½ cup raisins
1 tablespoon capers
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (1.41 ounce) packages sazon seasoning (such as Goya®)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon white sugar
salt to taste

Steps:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic, onion, and green bell pepper in the hot oil until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Crumble ground beef into the skillet; cook and stir until browned completely, 7 to 10 minutes.
Stir olives, raisins, capers, tomato sauce, sazon seasoning, cumin, sugar, and salt through the ground beef mixture.
Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook until the mixture is heated through, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.8 g, Cholesterol 74.3 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 23.7 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 3571.8 mg, Sugar 16.6 g

BEEF EMPANADAS

Beef Empanadas image

This authentic recipe was given to me by a visiting Argentinean professor while I was studying Spanish in college. They have become a staple food in my household as they are both simple to make, and delicious.

Provided by slatkasamrica

Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American South American Argentinian

Time 2h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound yellow onions, chopped
6 scallions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 ½ tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon butter, or as needed
36 empanada pastry discs
1 egg white, beaten

Steps:

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, scallions, and bell pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes.
Add ground beef, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and cumin to the onion mixture. Cook and stir beef until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, then cover and place in the refrigerator until meat is completely cooled, about 1 hour.
Remove filling from the refrigerator and transfer into a colander to drain. Return filling to the Dutch oven.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Liberally grease a baking sheet with butter.
Place about 2 tablespoons filling into the center of an empanada disc. Fold empanada in half into a crescent shape, press the edges of the dough together with a fork or your fingers to seal, and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining empanadas and filling. Brush tops with egg white.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 534.6 calories, Carbohydrate 65.6 g, Cholesterol 49 mg, Fat 21.7 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 22.6 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 1472.2 mg, Sugar 2.1 g

Tips:

Choose the right ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
Season the beef well: Don't be afraid to use plenty of spices and herbs to season the beef. This will give the empanadas a lot of flavor.
Use a variety of vegetables: Don't just use onions and peppers in your empanadas. Try adding other vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini.
Use a good quality dough: The dough is an important part of the empanada, so make sure you use a good quality dough. You can either make your own dough or buy it pre-made.
Fry the empanadas until they are golden brown: This will give them a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce: Empanadas are traditionally served with a dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Conclusion:

Ground beef empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a party or potluck, or as a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight. With so many different variations available, there is sure to be a ground beef empanada recipe that everyone will love.