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Beef Picadillo Empanadas

Crispy fried pastry pockets filled with a savory sweet ground beef picadillo simmered with olives, raisins, and warm spices. Perfectly portioned as a hand-held snack or appetizer.

45 minMediumServes 5420 cal/serving

CubanAppetizerStovetopStandardNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup stuffed green olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 10 empanada dough discs
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of 2 cups vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 1 diced yellow onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves until softened.

  2. 2

    Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup chopped stuffed green olives, 1/4 cup raisins, and 1 tsp ground cumin, then simmer until thick and ground beef reaches 160°F.

  4. 4

    Spoon picadillo filling onto each of the 10 empanada dough discs, fold in half, and seal edges with a fork.

  5. 5

    Heat remaining 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F and fry empanadas until golden brown on both sides.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Beef Picadillo Empanadas?

For Beef Picadillo Empanadas, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 5. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

How do I know when Beef Picadillo Empanadas is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until thick and ground beef reaches 160°F. Step 5: cook until golden brown on both sides. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

Can I skip the searing in Beef Picadillo Empanadas?

Step 5 reads: "Heat remaining 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F and fry empanadas until golden brown on both sides." You can, but you give up flavor. The browning in step 5 builds the savory base the rest of the dish is seasoned against. Give the pieces room so the pan stays hot.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Beef Picadillo Empanadas?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Beef Picadillo Empanadas uses 1 lb ground beef.

How many calories are in Beef Picadillo Empanadas?

One serving (the recipe makes 5) is about 420 calories, with 18 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate and 22 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 580 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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