Panamanian Beef Empanadas

Jessica K's Note:

I finally found a site with empanadas that sound and taste closest to what I grew up with. No raisins or potatoes here!! Finally!! Posting so i can find again!!

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 1 (15 ounce) box pillsbury ready-made pie crusts
• ¾ lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion , diced
• 1 small bell pepper , diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 garlic cloves , diced
• 4 tablespoons oil
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ cup chopped green chili pepper (or 1/2 tsp Tabasco)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Filling:.
3. Place oil in skillet and brown the beef, then drain the grease.
4. Add rest of ingredients, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
5. If needed, add a little bit of flour to thicken the consistency of the filling. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. For Crust:.
7. Roll out on a lightly floured board-1/8th inch thick. Cut with cookie cutter or glass for appetizer sized empanadas. Use a small plate for luncheon size empanadas.
8. On each round, put about 1/2 teaspoon filling. Fold over and flute edges with fork. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake at 400 degrees until the crust is golden brown.
9. You can also deep fry these in a deep fryer or in a deep skillet with enough oil to cover them. that's the way they eat them there, but baking is lower fat! But fried is sooo good! If frying don't brush the tops with egg!
10. Enjoy!

Reviews

[Random Rachel]

After reading the other reviews, I added about 2 cups of water before simmering, and they were still dry after I fried them. We just dipped them in sour cream and salsa to make up for it. They tasted great aside from that!

[billysarmylife]

These where pretty good.....easy to make for a week night dinner...must say that I added some red sauce to the filling along with some cheese. I also served them with red sauce to dip them in for added flavor and moisture. I also served them with mexican rice and refried beans. They where good and I am making them again this week.

[Mama's Kitchen (Hope)]

AWESOME! I followed it exactly using green chili's and baking it. I did sub ground chicken and added a small piece of Mont Jack cheese before folding. What I made for supper flopped so I quickly searched and found this one- Thank you Jessica- you saved dinner! Fast and easy!