Authentic Chilean Beef Empanadas
These Authentic Chilean Beef Empanadas are a delightful fusion of flavors inspired by cherished memories of a neighbor's cooking from Chile. Instead of making a complicated dough from scratch, this recipe simplifies the process by using refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, making it both accessible and delicious. Each empanada is filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, bell peppers, aromatic spices, sweet raisins, and tangy olives, all blended with gooey Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro. These golden-brown pockets of goodness are perfect for gatherings or as a delicious meal any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (None)
green bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
raisins
1/3 cup (chopped)
pimento stuffed olives
1/4 cup (chopped)
red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons (None)
flour
1 tablespoon (None)
allspice
1 3/4 teaspoons (None)
cumin
1 teaspoon (None)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (grated)
cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
2 (12 ounce) packages (None)
egg
1 (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the ground beef, diced green bell pepper, and chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, around 6 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped raisins, pimento-stuffed olives, red wine vinegar, flour, allspice, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4
Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, then mix in the grated Monterey Jack cheese and chopped cilantro until combined.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one biscuit until it forms a 4-inch circle.
7
Brush one half of the dough with the egg wash made from the beaten egg and water.
8
Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the beef filling on the dough, then fold it over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal.
9
Using a fork, crimp the edges to ensure the filling remains inside while baking.
10
Repeat the rolling, filling, and sealing process with the remaining biscuits and filling.
11
Place the empanadas on a large baking sheet and brush the tops with the egg wash.
12
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 12 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Chilean Beef Empanadas?
They are a savory fusion of flavors featuring lean ground beef, bell peppers, aromatic spices, raisins, and olives, inspired by Chilean cuisine.
What makes this Chilean empanada recipe easy?
This recipe simplifies the process by using refrigerated buttermilk biscuits instead of making a complicated dough from scratch.
What type of beef is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of lean ground beef.
What kind of dough should I use?
Two 12-ounce packages of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are used as the dough for these empanadas.
Which vegetables are added to the beef mixture?
The filling includes half a chopped green bell pepper and two tablespoons of chopped garlic.
Are there raisins in authentic Chilean empanadas?
Yes, 1/3 cup of chopped raisins is included in this recipe to add a touch of sweetness.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped pimento-stuffed olives for a tangy flavor.
What kind of vinegar is used in the filling?
1 1/2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar are used to season the beef mixture.
What spices provide the flavor for these empanadas?
The key spices are allspice, cumin, and a small amount of cayenne pepper.
How much allspice is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 3/4 teaspoons of allspice.
Are these empanadas spicy?
They have a mild warmth from 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but are generally not considered very spicy.
What kind of cheese is added to the filling?
One cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese is mixed into the beef filling.
Is fresh cilantro used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is stirred into the filling for freshness.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the biscuit dough for filling?
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each biscuit until it forms a 4-inch circle.
How do I seal the empanadas?
Brush half the dough with egg wash, fold it over the filling, press the edges together, and crimp them with a fork.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash helps seal the edges and gives the empanadas a golden-brown finish when brushed on top.
How do I make the egg wash?
Beat one egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
How much filling goes into each empanada?
Place 1 rounded tablespoon of the beef filling on each dough circle.
How long do the empanadas take to bake?
They should bake for approximately 12 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Do I need to cook the meat before assembly?
Yes, the beef, peppers, and garlic should be sautéed in olive oil for about 6 minutes before adding other ingredients.
What is the role of flour in the filling?
One tablespoon of flour is added to help thicken the meat mixture.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the beef?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What shape should the finished empanadas be?
They are folded into a classic half-moon shape.
When do I add the cheese and cilantro?
The grated cheese and cilantro are mixed in after the beef mixture has cooked and thickened.
How many packages of biscuits are required?
You will need two 12-ounce packages of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits.
Should I brush the tops of the empanadas before baking?
Yes, brush the tops with the egg wash before placing them in the oven for a better color.
What kind of pan is best for cooking the beef?
A heavy skillet is recommended for even heat distribution while cooking the filling.
Are these empanadas suitable for parties?
Yes, they are excellent as party food, appetizers, or snacks.
How long does it take to cook the filling once the spices are added?
Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until it has thickened.