Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites for a Flavorful Appetizer

Introduction

Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites are a mouthwatering appetizer that combines the bold flavors of juicy beef barbacoa with the convenience of handheld empanadas. These savory bites are perfect for entertaining guests or simply indulging in a delicious snack. The rich and savory beef filling wrapped in a flaky pastry shell creates a winning combination that is sure to impress your taste buds. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites at home!

Ingredients

To make Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of beef chuck roast
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 package of empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Start by preparing the beef barbacoa filling. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
2. Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker and add the diced onion, garlic, chipotle pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and beef broth.
3. Cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
4. Once the beef is cooked, shred it using two forks and mix it with the cooking liquid to enhance the flavors.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the empanada dough and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a small bowl.
7. Place a spoonful of the beef barbacoa filling in the center of each dough circle.
8. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg, then fold the dough over the filling to create half-moon shapes. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanadas.
9. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Bake the Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
11. Serve the empanada bites hot with your favorite salsa or dipping sauce.

These Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Enjoy the combination of tender beef, aromatic spices, and flaky pastry for an appetizer that will leave your guests craving for more.

FAQ About Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites

What are Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites?

Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites are small, flavorful appetizers made with tender beef barbacoa filling enclosed in a crispy empanada pastry shell. They are perfect for serving at parties or as a delicious snack.

How do you make Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites?

To make Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites, you first need to prepare the beef barbacoa filling with traditional Mexican spices and slow-cooked beef. Then, fill small empanada rounds with the beef mixture, seal them, and bake or fry until golden and crispy.

What makes Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites a great appetizer?

Beef Barbacoa Empanada Bites are a great appetizer because they offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures in each bite. The tender beef barbacoa combined with the crispy empanada shell creates a satisfying and delicious appetizer experience for any occasion.