Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Belqui's Twist

An Autism Mom's Cooking Blog

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Work With me
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

Appetizers Dinner Dominican Dishes Holiday Latin Fusion Mexican Recipes

Latin Beef Empanadas

Small oval plate with beef empanadas in it
Latin Beef Empanadas

Empanadas have always been a favorite of mine. Growing up we always had them at gatherings, parties and yes, even funerals! Lord!!! hahaha! I just love the crunchy outside and the moistness of whatever is inside. It’s like breaking into a treasure chest of flavor!

Where do empanadas originate from?

Empanadas have their origins in Galicia (Spain) and Portugal. They first appeared in Medieval Iberia during the time of the Moorish invasions.

Empanadas are made by folding dough around a stuffing. The stuffing can consist of a variety of meats, vegetables, or even fruits.

They’re known and loved throughout the Caribbean, Latin America and the Philippines. The name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means to wrap in bread.

Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying?

Yes!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay the prepared empanadas on the parchment paper.
Prepare egg wash: Beat one egg and add one tbs water. Mix well.
With a pastry brush, brush the top of the empanadas with the egg wash.
Bake at 350º for about 30 minutes or until golden.

There is a very warm feeling that comes over me when I think of them and it’s not just because they are fried but because they have been a part of so many times in my life, both good and bad.
It’s a real comfort food.

This is why sharing this recipe is so special to me. It’s my own. It’s a piece of me.

Beef empanada being held over a platter of empanadas
Latin Beef Empanadas – full size
Beef empanada being held over a platter of empanadas
Latin Beef Empanadas – half size

Beef empanada being held over a platter of empanadas

Latin Beef Empanadas

Fill this dough with whatever your heart desires and you are golden! Here you see my very own version that is sure to please a crowd!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Caribbean, Cuban, Dominican, Latin, Latin Fusion
Keyword: baked empanadas, beef empanadas, dominican empanada, easy beef empanada recipe, easy empanada recipe, empanada, empanada de res dominicana, empanadas, empanade de res, fried empanadas, how to make empanadas, how to make fried empanadas, latin empanada
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% preferred
  • 1 tbsp corn oil only if using 90% beef
  • 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice both are just fine
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped peppers any colors you prefer
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp Adobo recipe here or use store bought (dry adobo)
  • 2 tbsp manzanilla olives chopped, salad olives ok too
  • 2 tbsp tomato sauce
  • 10 empanada discs
  • corn oil enough for frying

Instructions

Cooking the beef filling

  • In a non-stick skillet cook the ground beef while breaking it apart. If using 90% beef, add a tablespoon of oil.
  • Add lemon or lime juice, onions, peppers, garlic powder, adobo. Continue to cook the beef while stirring, until you see very little liquid.
  • Add olives and tomato sauce. Stir well and cook until you see that there is almost no liquid. You'll see a very small amount of oil. That's ok.
  • Set the beef aside in a bowl to cool down.

Defrosting the frozen empanada dough

  • Defrost empanadas per package instructions.
    This is my preferred method: I cut one side of the bag and place in the microwave. Heating at 10 to 15 second intervals until the dough has warmed up enough to separate the discs.
  • You can either make a full disc or cut the disc in half to create 2 small empanadas. These are great as appetizers.

Building the empanadas

  • Have a small bowl filled with water ready to moisten the edges of the empanadas.
  • Place an empanada disc on a cutting board, if using a full disc, place 2 tbs or so of the beef filling in the center.
  • Moisten the edges of the empanada with water.
  • Fold the empanada disc in half, press down and using a fork, seal all around the edges.
  • If using half disc, follow the same steps but only use one tablespoon of beef filling.

Frying the empanadas

  • In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Test the heat of the oil by dipping the tip of an empanada into it. If you see that there is a bubbling reaction, it is ready to start frying. It's better to have the heat lower so the empanadas cook slower rather than flash frying and burning.
  • Fry both sides until golden. 3 to 4 minutes.

Baking the empanadas

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Lay the prepared empanadas on the parchment paper.
  • Prepare egg wash: Beat one egg and add one tbs water. Mix well.
  • With a pastry brush, brush the top of the empanadas with the egg wash.
  • Bake at 350º for about 30 minutes or until golden.

Video


1 Comment

Subscribe

Get the latest delicious goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « How to make Latin dry all-purpose adobo seasoning and sazón
Next Post: Dominican riki Taki »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yashiyah Tobiyah says

    September 8, 2020 at 3:53 am

    5 stars
    Thank you soooo much for another GREAT recipe Mrs. Belqui. I’ve been looking for a beef empanada recipe, and I was so excited to see that you posted one. I told my brother every recipe of your that I use comes out SLAMMIN! I made this recipe today and my brother said that the empanadas were some of the best I made in a while!! So thank you again for providing such a delightful video during this time. I pray that you and your family are/will remain safe during this time. Thank you again!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Belqui

YOU CAN FIND ME ON

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Prepdeck
Sidechef featured blogger

Our Family

Stay updated!

Get all the latest tasty goodness straight to your inbox!

Most Popular Recipes

Dominican Shrimp Plantain Cups

Dominican Shrimp Plantain Cups

posted in Appetizers, Dinner, Dominican Dishes, Recipes, Sides

Oxtail Stew Rabo Encendido

Dominican Oxtail Stew (Rabo Guisado)

posted in Dinner, Dominican Dishes, Recipes

Pollo Guisado con Salsa de Tomate (Dominican Braised Chicken w/ Tomato Sauce)

posted in Dinner, Dominican Dishes, Recipes

Dominican style spaghetti

Dominican Spaghetti

posted in Dinner, Dominican Dishes, Recipes

belquistwist

For the NEXT 3 DAYS ... June 29th thru Friday, Jul For the NEXT 3 DAYS ... June 29th thru Friday, July 1st you can download for FREE! 
Please share! Help us change the world For the L❤️VE of Autism! 
Let's do this! Go to Amazon or Kindle! 

{link in bio}
https://amzn.to/3y46XpR

#ForTheLoveOfAutism #Ebook #AmazonBestSeller #Autism #AutismSpecteumDisorder #Author #autismmomcooks
Pulled pork is one of my favorite things to make a Pulled pork is one of my favorite things to make and today I bring you a very exciting new way to use any of your pulled pork leftovers, if you happen to have any. At my house, I make a ton so I can play around and make dishes like these delicious LOADED PULLED PORK TATER TOTS.

{links in bio}
Want some? Learn how to make it!
Recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/loaded-pulled-pork-tater-tots/

Watch me make them 👇
https://youtu.be/2l6AfOwzOqo

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #latinfusion #tatertots #pulledpork
How about some delicious chicken wings for your 4t How about some delicious chicken wings for your 4th of July cookout? 

I am obsessed with wings and holidays like this one, wings are a must have.

In this recipe, they are beer soaked. Half are naked wings and the other half are lightly dredged in cornstarch for a bit more crunch. In the video, you get to hear the difference! 😮

But wait! there is more! They are baked and covered with chimichurri sauce!
Oh yeah baby, I am out to spoil you! 😘

Recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/beer-soaked-chicken-wings/

Watch me make them! 👇
https://youtu.be/Qi4K8xrvBvI

#chickenwings #bakedchickenwings #beerchickenwings #beerwings #bakedwings #chickenwingaddict #autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook
Starting Wednesday, June 29th through Friday, July Starting Wednesday, June 29th through Friday, July 1st, you will be able to download the eBook version of "For the Love of Autism" on Amazon completely FREE! This is a unique opportunity to get this incredible book at no cost. This is the first book of its kind showcasing the amazing stories of our community.

Our dream and goal is to get this book in EVERYONE's hands to change the narrative around autism and to transform hearts and minds for the love of autism.

Will you help us to do that!!!!???? Please feel free to share this opportunity with your network and other professionals that can benefit from this promotion!

#ForTheLoveOfAutism #EbookSale #AmazonBestSeller #autismmomcooks
This is 48! Today is my birthday and off I go to This is 48! 
Today is my birthday and off I go to celebrate. Thank you for being part of my life experience. I will forever be grateful for your support. 🥰😘
This is the exact reason why I have had amazing op This is the exact reason why I have had amazing opportunities in my life. 

#appreciateyourstrengths #beyourself #internettrolls #youcanthurtme
I am on a roll today! Queso Blanco Burgers For th I am on a roll today!
Queso Blanco Burgers

For this 4th of July I have once again teamed up with @familiakitchencook and @casamspice to bring you delicious Queso Blanco burgers!

{links in bio}
To read the full article 👇
https://familiakitchen.com/the-queso-blanco-burger-youll-want-to-grill-july-4th/

Recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/queso-blanco-burgers/

Watch us make it! 👇
https://youtu.be/VkN1h2tZhOU

Go to https://casamspice.com/
USE CODE: CDSAVE20 and save 20% when you order Casa M Spice Co™️ Cattle Drive®

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #4thofjulyburgers #quesoblancoburgers #easyburgers #casamspice #familiakitchencooks
Instant Pot Dominican Pernil (Pulled Pork) Tradit Instant Pot Dominican Pernil (Pulled Pork)

Traditionally, we cook our pernil for hours and hours. Depending on the weight, up to 6 hours. We start with seasoning, boiling, then cooking in the oven covered, then uncovered, shred and cook longer to get more of that golden look. The process is long and tedious.

This is why I really wanted to try it in the instant pot. I wondered how I could cook it faster but still get that beautiful golden color and keep the flavor intact. It was a success!

Full recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/instant-pot-dominican-pernil-pulled-pork/

Watch me make it!👇
https://youtu.be/YIOiNXz0QvU

EliHome Cutting Boards
https://youtu.be/VkN1h2tZhOU
USE CODE BELQUISTWIST for 15% OFF!

@elihomekitchen Cutting Boards, Natural Wood Fiber, Eco-Friendly, Non-Porous, Non-Slip, Juice Grooves and Dishwasher Safe!

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #homecook #latinacook #dominicanpernil #pulledpork #instantpotpulledpork
4 1/2 years in AZ and I finally get in the garage, 4 1/2 years in AZ and I finally get in the garage, open boxes and find my KitchenAid mixer!
It’s like Christmas in June!
LOW & SLOW STOVETOP PORK BABY BACK RIBS Finger li LOW & SLOW STOVETOP PORK BABY BACK RIBS

Finger lickin' good and fall off the bone! 1 1/2 hours is all it took for mine because they are cut is small pieces. The Latin seasoning is just insane in this recipe. You must give it a try!

{links in bio}
Full Recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/low-and-slow-stovetop-pork-baby-back-ribs/

Watch me make it! 👇
https://youtu.be/UnwzdST_Xtk

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinachef #babybackribs #porkribs #porkbabybackribs #braisedribs #ribsaddict
Quick and easy INSTANT POT PORK CARNITAS! Perfect Quick and easy INSTANT POT PORK CARNITAS!
Perfect for tacos, sliders, quesadillas and so much more!
I made mine with my @butcher_box Pork Butt for the best quality meat that is humanely raised.

For more info and to order yours, visit http://butcherbox.go2cloud.org/SH9U

✔️ New members receive FREE BACON for the lifetime of their membership.

{links in bio}
Full recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/instant-pot-pork-carnitas/

Watch me make it! 👇
https://youtu.be/dTIiTg8A_eo

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #porkcarnitas #instantpotrecipes #instantpotpulledpork #instantpotporkcarnitas #mexicanpork #butcherbox
EASY PORK AND CHIVE DUMPLINGS WITH SESAME-SOY DIPP EASY PORK AND CHIVE DUMPLINGS WITH SESAME-SOY DIPPING SAUCE 🥟
This Dominicana can make dumplings!

Dumplings may seem difficult to make but they are not, they are actually super simple!

I always make big batches and freeze a few after forming them to steam or fry later.

{link in bio}
Recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/pork-and-chive-dumplings-w-sesame-soy-dipping-sauce/

Full video 👇
https://youtu.be/QLm0XP-mRBQ

#dumplings #porkdumplings #sesamesoydippingsauce #easydumplings #dumplingsfordays #dumplingaddict #recipeoftheday #homecook #autismmomcooks #easyasianrecipes #foodblogger #azfoodphotographer #socialfoodiephoto
Lemon Chicken and Rice 🍋 There are recipes on m Lemon Chicken and Rice 🍋
There are recipes on my TikTok account that I don't share here so make sure to follow me there too! 👇

{link in bio}
https://www.tiktok.com/@belquistwist

#autismmomcooks #latinacook #homecook #foodblogger #lemonchicken #lemonchickenandrice
Woohoo! 2 weeks ago my YouTube channel reached 1 M Woohoo! 2 weeks ago my YouTube channel reached 1 Million views and I had no idea until a couple of days ago. I don't look at my analytics much because I don't like to feel any pressure with performance. But this was a very nice surprise, I must say. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me there and lets move on to get to 2M! 😊

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #latinachef #youtubechannel #1mfollowers
Hey! my segment on @afternoonlivek2 is up on youtu Hey! my segment on @afternoonlivek2 is up on youtube!

I am often told I say the darndest things. (without realizing it 🤷‍♀️) 
Let's see if you can spot it in this video!

{link in bio}
https://youtu.be/eaxoI9hPu0U

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinachef #latinacook #homecook #shrimptaquitos #shrimptaquitosdorados #casamspice
🎵 Belqui's back, back again! Belqui's back, Bel 🎵 Belqui's back, back again! Belqui's back, Belqui's back 🎶 I am o dating myself! LOL

Today, I am back on @afternoonlivek2!
Watch as @karamariemack and I bring you my delicious Shrimp Taquitos Salad!

LIVE at 2pm PST / 2pm MST / 5pm EST
See you then!

{link in bio}
https://katu.com/afternoon-live/cooking-recipes

#autismmomcooks #latinachef #foodblogger #cookinglive #afternoonliveonkatu #afternoonlive #dominicanfood #shrimptaquitos #shrimpsalad #quicksalad #seafoodaddict
"Any human, anywhere, will blossom in a hundred un "Any human, anywhere, will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so." - Doris Lessing

It's so awesome to see my work in advertisements like these! I am honestly in awe of my ability to go against my insecurities because many times I have felt and still feel, like I am not good enough to achieve anything.

I hope that I can be an example that we "are" good enough and that "we can" do, be, more than one thing. We have capabilities/talents we can develop, hone. We can do anything we put our heart and soul into.

Tell me, what is something you would love to do that you feel afraid of going for?

{link in bio}
https://www.socialfoodiephoto.com/

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #foodphotographer #recipedeveloper #lifestylephotographer #resortphotographer #autismmom #badass #notafraidtofail #gogetter #youcandoit
Because why not? One of my weekend concoctions and Because why not? One of my weekend concoctions and it was delicious!
Loaded Dominican Plantain Chips 💞

✔️ The chips are topped with fried salami strips, crumbled Queso Tropical Blanco, onion relish, fried eggs and chopped cilantro. So good!

Full recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/loaded-dominican-plantain-chips/

Watch me make it! 👇
https://youtu.be/ISFxQUEJ6WM

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #dominicancook #dominicanfood #platanosfritos #plantainchips #friedeggs #friedsalami
This summer, I have got you! Here is the video to This summer, I have got you! 
Here is the video to my Shrimp Taquitos Dorados Salad. I served as an appetizer on Memorial Day and it was a hit!
I hope you give it a try because it is so simple!

{links in bio}
Recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/shrimp-taquitos-salad/

Watch us make it! 👇
https://youtu.be/DWeo2Y1EaEI

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #latinachef #homecook #shrimptaquitos #shrimptacosalad #mexicanshrimpsalad #shrimpsalad @Spanglishasadero
Oh boy do we have a spicy Father’s Day recipe fo Oh boy do we have a spicy Father’s Day recipe for you! 
Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri 🌶️ 

@familiakitchencook, @casamspice and I have teamed up to set you up for a perfect Father’s Day! 
Use code CDSAVE20 for 20% OFF Casa M Spice Co Cattle Drive®!

{links in bio}
Full recipe 👇
https://belquistwist.com/grilled-skirt-steak-with-chimichurri-sauce/

Watch us make it! 👇
https://youtu.be/pTpxpjfAfg4

#autismmomcooks #foodblogger #latinacook #chimichurrisauce #grilledskirtsteak
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Get all the latest recipes straight to your inbox

Footer

You might also like

Loaded Pulled Pork Tater Tots in a baking dish. Topped with taco cheese, Mexican crema with lime juice, green onions and habañero honey mustard.

Loaded Pulled Pork Tater Tots

Queso Blanco Burgers, inspired by Mexico with the use of queso blanco. Its so delicious, you must try it!

Queso Blanco Burgers

Instant Pot Dominican Pernil (Pulled Pork). Its shredded in a baking dish. You can see the instant pot in the background.

Instant Pot Dominican Pernil (Pulled Pork)

Gollita's Mexican Pork Chops with Tomato Sauce and Onions. One pork chop is being held up and you can see the sauce and onions pretty closely over the pork chops.

Gollita’s Mexican Pork Chops with Tomato Sauce and Onions

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri. Here you see the skirt steak sliced and laid out in two rows with chimichurri sauce in the center of each row. You can also see the Casa m Spice container next to the platter.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316