Savory Beef Empanadas with Spicy Chili-Cheese Dip
These delightful Savory Beef Empanadas are a perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown pastry filled with seasoned ground beef. Paired with a creamy and spicy chili-cheese dip, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Best served warm, the empanadas are easy to make using refrigerated biscuits, making it a quick weeknight meal or a fun party appetizer. Enjoy munching on crunchy tostada chips as you scoop up the rich sauce for a delicious flavor experience that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (browned in skillet)
refrigerated biscuits
8 (flattened)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope (mixed with meat)
water
1/4 cup (mixed with meat)
petite diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (added with juice)
salsa con queso sauce
1 cup (heated with meat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef over high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks until fully crumbled and nicely browned.
3
While the beef is cooking, use a rolling pin to flatten each refrigerated biscuit into circles about 4.5 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. If they stick, lightly dust with flour. Arrange the flattened dough on an ungreased baking sheet.
4
Once the beef is browned, mix in the taco seasoning and water. Stir until the meat is well coated, then remove the skillet from heat.
5
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each biscuit round, reserving any leftovers in the skillet. Fold the biscuit over the filling to create a turnover, stretching the dough slightly if needed. Press the edges with a fork to seal the empanadas securely.
6
Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
7
While the empanadas are baking, add the can of petite diced tomatoes (with juice) and the salsa con queso sauce to the skillet with the remaining beef. Stir well and heat the mixture over low heat, simmering gently until the empanadas are done, stirring occasionally.
8
To serve, place the empanadas on individual plates and generously drizzle or spoon the warm chili-cheese sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this empanada recipe?
The recipe uses one pound of extra lean ground beef.
What kind of dough is used to make the empanada crust?
The recipe uses a package of 8 refrigerated biscuits, which are flattened into circles.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How long do the empanadas need to bake?
The empanadas bake for approximately 8 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
How large should I roll out the biscuit dough?
Each biscuit should be flattened into a circle about 4.5 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.
What should I do if the biscuit dough sticks to the rolling pin?
If the dough sticks, you can lightly dust it with flour.
How much filling goes into each empanada?
Spoon 2 tablespoons of the seasoned beef mixture into the center of each biscuit round.
How do you seal the edges of the empanadas?
Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal them securely.
What seasoning is used for the beef filling?
The beef is seasoned with one 1 1/4 ounce envelope of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water.
What are the ingredients for the spicy chili-cheese dip?
The dip is made using reserved seasoned ground beef, a 14.5 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of salsa con queso sauce.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes for the sauce?
No, the tomatoes should be added to the skillet along with their juice.
When should the sauce be prepared?
The sauce should be simmered in the skillet while the empanadas are baking in the oven.
How is the final dish served?
Place the empanadas on plates and generously drizzle or spoon the warm chili-cheese sauce over the top.
Is the baking sheet supposed to be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking sheet.
What type of skillet is recommended for browning the beef?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended.
Can this recipe be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as both a quick weeknight meal and a fun party appetizer.
What is the texture of the empanadas once baked?
They have a crispy, golden-brown pastry exterior with a savory seasoned beef interior.
What should I do if the dough doesn't quite cover the filling?
You can stretch the dough slightly as you fold it over the filling to create the turnover.
What additional snack is suggested to accompany the sauce?
The description suggests enjoying crunchy tostada chips to scoop up any extra sauce.
How much salsa con queso is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of salsa con queso sauce.
What heat level should the beef be cooked at?
The ground beef should be browned over high heat.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 8 empanadas, typically serving 4 to 8 people depending on the occasion.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include empanadas, ground beef, one dish meal, snack, party food, easy dinner, comfort food, and spicy dip.
Is the beef mixture cooked before it goes into the oven?
Yes, the beef must be fully browned and seasoned in the skillet before filling the biscuits.
What size is the can of diced tomatoes?
The recipe calls for a 14 1/2 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes.
Does the recipe contain any fiber information?
No, specific nutritional data like fiber, calories, or fat are not provided in the current recipe data.
Can I use regular lean beef instead of extra lean?
Yes, though extra lean is suggested to reduce excess grease in the filling.
How do you ensure the empanadas don't open while baking?
Pressing the edges firmly with a fork creates a secure seal that prevents the filling from leaking.
What is the preparation method for the salsa con queso?
It is heated in the skillet with the remaining meat and tomatoes until simmering.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is designed to be a quick and easy dish using refrigerated shortcuts.