Cape Verdean Style Beef Empanadas (Empadão de Carne à Moda Cabo-verdiana)

Empadão de Carne à Moda Cabo-verdiana, or Cape Verdean Style Beef Empanadas, is a delicious and savory dish that is popular in Cape Verdean cuisine. These empanadas are filled with seasoned ground beef and encased in a flaky pastry crust, making them a perfect snack or meal for any occasion.

None Appetizer Cape Verdean Cape Verdean Cuisine Beef Empanadas
Cape Verdean Style Beef Empanadas (Empadão de Carne à Moda Cabo-verdiana)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
  7. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
  8. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with the beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
25 minutes
Total time:
55 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
280 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Skillet Large bowl Plastic wrap Baking sheet Parchment paper

Tools

Round cutter Fork

Serving suggestions

Serve the empadão de carne with a side of hot sauce or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a flakier crust, make sure the butter in the dough is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.

Cost

$15