Delicious Panamanian Beef Empanadas
Experience the authentic flavors of Panama with these mouthwatering beef empanadas. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Panamanian cuisine without unnecessary ingredients like raisins or potatoes. Each flaky pastry is filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a hint of spice, making them perfect for lunch, snacks, or a delightful appetizer. Whether baked until golden brown or fried for a crispy finish, these empanadas are sure to transport you to the vibrant streets of Panama with every bite!
12
Servings
171
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pillsbury ready-made pie crusts
1 (15 ounce) box (ready to use)
Ground beef
3/4 lb (browned)
Medium onion
1 (diced)
Small bell pepper
1 (diced)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Garlic cloves
2 (diced)
Oil
4 tablespoons (for cooking)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Chopped green chili pepper
1/4 cup (or 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco for heat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2
For the filling, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, then drain the excess grease.
3
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, bay leaf, oregano, and green chili pepper (or Tabasco) to the skillet. Stir to combine and cover with a lid. Allow to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4
If you'd like to thicken the filling, sprinkle in a little flour until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
5
For the crust, roll out the prepared pie crusts on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles for appetizer-sized empanadas, or a larger plate for lunch-sized ones.
6
Place about 1/2 teaspoon of the beef filling in the center of each round. Fold over the dough to create a half-moon shape, and use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
7
For a golden finish, brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8
Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternatively, you can deep fry them in hot oil until crispy and golden, if desired. Note that if you choose to fry them, skip the egg wash on top.
9
Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy these delightful bites of Panamanian tradition!
Nutrition Information
10.7g
Fat
14.3g
Carbs
8.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Panamanian Beef Empanadas?
They are savory pastries filled with a seasoned mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and spices, capturing the authentic flavors of Panama.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 171 calories.
What type of crust is used for these empanadas?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce box of Pillsbury ready-made pie crusts.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 3/4 lb of ground beef, browned and drained.
What vegetables are in the filling?
The filling includes a medium onion, a small bell pepper, and two garlic cloves.
How long should the beef filling simmer?
The filling should simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Should the bay leaf be left in the empanadas?
No, you should remove the bay leaf from the mixture before serving or filling the dough.
How can I thicken the beef filling?
You can sprinkle in a little flour until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How thick should I roll the dough?
The pie crusts should be rolled out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
How do I shape the empanadas?
Fold the dough rounds over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork.
How much filling goes into each round?
Place about 1/2 teaspoon of beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
What gives the empanadas a golden finish when baked?
Brushing the tops with a beaten egg before baking provides a golden finish.
How long do they need to bake?
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Can these empanadas be fried?
Yes, they can be deep fried in hot oil until crispy and golden.
Do I use an egg wash if I am frying them?
No, skip the egg wash if you choose to fry the empanadas.
What kind of heat can be added to the recipe?
You can use 1/4 cup of chopped green chili pepper or 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco for heat.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and a bay leaf.
How much fat is in one empanada?
Each empanada contains 10.7g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 8.2g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving has 14.3g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe include raisins or potatoes?
No, this authentic Panamanian recipe specifically excludes raisins and potatoes.
How much oil is used to cook the filling?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of oil for cooking the filling.
Can I make different sizes of empanadas?
Yes, you can use a cookie cutter for appetizer-sized or a larger plate for lunch-sized empanadas.
Is the filling seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, the filling should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste after simmering.
Should the filling be cooled before assembly?
Yes, allow the filling to cool slightly before placing it on the dough.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
A baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper for baking.
Are these empanadas suitable for snacks?
Yes, they are perfect for lunch, snacks, or as a delightful appetizer.
What is the first step in preparing the filling?
The first step is heating oil in a skillet and browning the ground beef.