Beef empanadas with avocado salsa

Here’s a delicious recipe combo: Beef Empanadas with Avocado Salsa — crispy, savory hand pies filled with spiced ground beef, paired with a fresh, zesty avocado salsa. This makes a great appetizer, snack, or main dish!

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🥟 Beef Empanadas with Avocado Salsa

Part 1: Beef Empanadas

📝 Ingredients:

For the Dough (or use store-bought empanada wrappers):

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes

• 1 egg

• 1/3 cup cold water

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef

• 1/2 small onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tbsp beef broth or water

• Optional: chopped olives, hard-boiled egg, or raisins for a classic Latin twist

🥟 Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:
   In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. In another bowl, whisk egg, water, and vinegar. Mix wet into dry and knead briefly. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 min.

2. Cook the Filling:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft. Add beef and cook until browned. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste and broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Cool.

3. Assemble Empanadas:
   Roll dough to 1/8″ thick. Cut 4–5″ circles. Place a spoonful of beef filling in center. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork. Chill briefly if dough is soft.

4. Bake or Fry:

   • Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with egg wash (1 egg + splash of water). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

   • Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden, about 2–3 minutes per side.

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Part 2: 🥑 Avocado Salsa

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 small tomato, diced

• 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)

• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt to taste

• Optional: splash of olive oil or a spoonful of sour cream for creaminess

🥣 Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash avocados slightly (leave it a bit chunky).

2. Stir in tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

3. Adjust seasoning and serve fresh.

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🍽️ Serving Tips:

• Serve warm empanadas with avocado salsa on the side or spooned on top.

• Add a green salad or rice and beans for a full meal.

• Can be frozen before baking — perfect for make-ahead meals.

Would you like a vegetarian or spicy variation?