Go Back
Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe

Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe

Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe is packed with seasoned beef, garlic, onions, peppers, and spices wrapped in crispy, golden pastry.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Caribbean / Latin-Inspired
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Fork (for sealing empanadas)
  • Deep frying pan or heavy pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Filling

  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Empanada Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup cold water
  • You can also use store-bought empanada discs if you prefer—no judgment here.

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil enough for deep frying

Optional Dipping Sauce

  • ½ cup mango chutney or pineapple preserves
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Beef Filling

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and slightly golden. This step alone makes your kitchen smell amazing.
  • Add the garlic and red bell pepper, stirring gently so nothing burns. Once fragrant, add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned.
  • Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast lightly in the pan—this is where the flavor deepens.
  • Add tomato paste and beef broth, stirring until the mixture looks rich and slightly saucy. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly.
  • Add the egg and slowly pour in cold water while mixing. Bring the dough together gently—don’t overwork it. Form into a ball, wrap, and rest for 30 minutes.
  • Resting the dough makes it easier to roll and gives you a better texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

  • Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until thin. Cut into 5-inch circles.
  • Place about 2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to form a half-moon. Press edges with a fork to seal.
  • Take a moment here. This part feels slow and cozy, like you’re shaping something with intention.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas in batches, turning once, until golden brown and crispy—about 3–4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer to paper towels to drain.
Keyword Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe