By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 30, 2023 | Last Updated on December 12, 2023
Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas are a flavorful, delicious dish that is sure to please the entire family. A traditional Latin American pocket-sized pastry, bahama breeze beef empanadas are made with savory ground beef filling wrapped in a crispy and flaky dough.
This delectable recipe can be served as an appetizer, snack or main course. You’ll have a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love with the right ingredients and technique.
In this recipe guide, I’ll show you how to make bahama breeze beef empanadas that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Read on to learn the ingredients, step-by-step instructions and tips for making this delicious dish!
What are bahama breeze beef empanadas?
Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas is a Latin American pastry, that has become increasingly popular over the years due to their delicious flavor and convenience. It is filled with savory ground beef filling and wrapped in a crispy and flaky dough.
These empanadas are perfect for snacking or making into an appetizer or main course. It’s no wonder that these beef empanadas have become a hit at parties or just as a treat for yourself because of their versatility and tantalizing taste.
What does it taste like?
Bahama breeze beef empanadas have an amazing flavor combination of savory ground beef filling with the flaky crust wrapping around it. The beef is seasoned with curry powder, paprika, cayenne pepper and other spices that give it a delicious kick. The accompanying seasoned sour cream gives this dish the perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors.
How did I first get introduced to the bahama breeze beef empanadas?
I was first introduced to Bahama Breeze beef empanadas by a friend who took me to dinner at a branch of Bahama Breeze. We ordered many dishes but one thing that caught my eyes was the appetizer beef empanadas.
I took the first bite of this delightful dish and I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor it had. The spicy and savory ground beef filling in the flaky crust was an absolute delight.
From then on, I’ve been hooked on this dish! I instantly knew I had to recreate this recipe at home so I could enjoy it whenever I wanted.
So after some online research and tweaking of the ingredients, I have been able to make a dish that closely resembles the one served in Bahama Breeze.
So if you’re in the mood for something new and exciting, giving this Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas recipe a try is definitely worth it!
How to make bahama breeze beef empanadas?
Making these delightful beef empanadas is quite easy. The key here is that you need to follow the instructions carefully.
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
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Ingredients
●Flour: All-purpose flour used as the base for making the dough.
●Vegetable shortening: Used to make a flaky crust.
●Butter: Salted and cold butter added to the dough to add flavor and texture.
●Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs help bind the dough together.
●Milk: Whole milk is used to bind all of the ingredients together.
●Kosher salt: Salt adds flavor and helps hold the dough together.
●Vegetable oil: Used for frying; canola or vegetable oil are recommended, but any oil with a high smoke point will do.
●Ground beef: Not lean ground beef is used for the filling.
●Potatoes: Chopped Russet potatoes are added for extra texture and flavor.
●Carrots: Sliced lengthwise to include in the filling.
●Onion: Finely diced yellow onion adds additional flavor to the filling.
●Parsley: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, is mixed with the other ingredients for its strong herbaceous notes.
●Curry powder: Adds a fragrant and spicy kick to the empanadas.
●Paprika: Used for both flavor and color.
●Salt: Enhances all of the other flavors.
●Cayenne pepper: Ground cayenne adds a touch of heat to the filling.
●Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the stuffing.
●Lime juice: A squeeze of lime helps brighten up the filling.
●Sour cream: Used for making the seasoned sour cream, which is used as a topping for empanadas.
●Tomato: Finely chopped tomato helps add a bit more texture and flavor to the sour cream sauce.
●Red onion: Sliced red onion gives an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
●Bell pepper: Minced red bell pepper adds flavor and a bit of crunch to the topping.
●Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens up the sauce with its strong, herbaceous flavor.
●Salt: Enhances all of the other flavors.
●Cayenne pepper powder: Adds some heat to the seasoned sour cream.
●Cumin powder: Used for both flavor and color.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and butter. Use a pastry blender to mix together until crumbly.
Step 2
In a separate bowl whisk together eggs, milk, salt and olive oil until combined.
Step 3
Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and knead until it forms a dough ball. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, parsley, curry powder, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper. Sauté until all of the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
Step 5
Then add the chicken broth and lime juice to the pan. Simmer until all of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 6
Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch diameter circle. Cut out 8 four-inch circles using a biscuit cutter.
Step 7
Place a large spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle, fold over and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal it shut.
Step 8
Deep fry the empanadas in the oil for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Step 9
While the empanadas are frying, make the seasoned sour cream by mixing together all of the ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 10
Once done, remove from the stove and let cool for 5 minutes before serving with the seasoned sour cream on the side.
Tips
●Use store-bought pre-made dough for convenience.
●If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, use a round cookie cutter or the top of a glass cup.
● If you find that your empanadas are not sealing properly, lightly wet the edge with water before folding and crimping shut.
●For an extra crispy crust brush on egg wash before baking.
Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pan for deep frying
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutter
- stove
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups flour (all-purpose)
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1/4 cup salted butter (cold)
- Two lightly beaten eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 6–10 cups vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef (not lean)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup carrots, sliced lengthwise
- Two tablespoons yellow onion, diced
- One teaspoon parsley (finely chopped)
- One teaspoon of curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground
- 2 tbsp chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
For seasoned sour cream:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup tomato (finely chopped)
- One tablespoon red onion (finely sliced)
- One tablespoon red bell pepper (minced finely)
- One tablespoon of cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
- One pinch of cumin powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, vegetable shortening, and butter. Use a pastry blender to mix together until crumbly.
- In a separate bowl whisk together eggs, milk, salt and olive oil until combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and knead until it forms a dough ball. Wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, parsley, curry powder, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper. Sauté until all of the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
- Then add the chicken broth and lime juice to the pan. Simmer until all of the liquid has evaporated.
- Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch diameter circle. Cut out 8 four-inch circles using a biscuit cutter.
- Place a large spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle, fold over and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal it shut.
- Deep fry the empanadas in the oil for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- While the empanadas are frying, make the seasoned sour cream by mixing together all of the ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Once done, remove from the stove and let cool for 5 minutes before serving with the seasoned sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Use store-bought pre-made dough for convenience.
- If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, use a round cookie cutter or the top of a glass cup.
- If you find that your empanadas are not sealing properly, lightly wet the edge with water before folding and crimping shut.
- For an extra crispy crust brush on egg wash before baking.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with bahama breeze beef empanadas?
Bahama Breeze beef empanadas can be served as a main or side dish for lunch or dinner. They can be served with a side of rice, beans, salad, guacamole or salsa.
How to store leftover bahama breeze beef empanadas?
You can store leftover Bahama Breeze beef empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them you can place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely consume Bahama Breeze beef empanadas. However, they should be aware of the risk associated with consuming uncooked or undercooked foods and consult their doctor if they have any concerns.
FAQs
What kind of flour do I need to make the dough for bahama breeze beef empanadas?
All-purpose flour is recommended for making the dough. However, you can also use whole wheat or gluten free flours if desired.
Do I have to pre-cook the filling before baking?
Yes, it is important to pre-cook the filling before baking in order to ensure that it is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?
Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How long will bahama breeze beef empanadas stay fresh in the fridge?
Leftover Bahama Breeze beef empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat them you can place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I freeze bahama breeze beef empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze bahama breeze beef empanadas. To do so, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I make bahama breeze beef empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day before cooking and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Then simply assemble and bake as directed when ready to serve. The empanadas can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, peas or corn. Additionally, you can also add olives, capers and raisins for added flavor. You could even add some cheese or diced cooked bacon.
Can I make bahama breeze beef empanadas without using a biscuit cutter?
Yes, you can use a round cookie cutter or the top of a glass cup instead of a biscuit cutter.
Is there an easier way to shape the empanada dough?
Yes, you can use a ravioli cutter instead of cutting the dough out with a biscuit cutter. This will make it easier to seal them shut and create perfect circles.
Can I make bahama breeze beef empanadas vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make these empanadas vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with crumbled tofu or cooked quinoa. You can also add additional vegetables to the filling such as bell peppers, peas or corn.
What other dipping sauces can I serve with bahama breeze beef empanadas?
You can serve bahama breeze beef empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, mayonnaise or your favorite hot sauce.
Can I fry bahama breeze beef empanadas instead of baking them?
Yes, you can pan-fry the empanadas in a skillet with some oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and heated through. Just make sure to seal the edges properly before frying.
How can I tell when bahama breeze beef empanadas are done baking?
Bahama Breeze beef empanadas are done baking when they are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick or knife into one of the empanadas to check that the dough is cooked through.
Wrapping Up
Bahama Breeze beef empanadas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy an authentic Caribbean-style meal at home. They are full of flavor, nutritious and can be made ahead of time for quick and convenient meals any time of the week.
With this guide, you now have all the information you need to make your own Bahama Breeze beef empanadas with confidence!
Hope you have found this recipe helpful and will make it your go-to dish when you’re in a rush.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
