Understanding Empanadas
Empanadas are a beloved pastry that originated in Spain and Portugal, with variations found throughout Latin America. These crescent-shaped, hand-held pockets are traditionally filled with a savory mixture, such as seasoned ground meat, vegetables, or cheese. The word “empanada” literally translates to “enbreaded” or “wrapped in bread,” reflecting the essence of this delightful comfort food.
While classic empanada fillings often include options like beef, chicken, or seafood, the versatility of this dish allows for endless creativity. One particularly mouthwatering twist is the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanada, which combines the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience and portability of an empanada.
Why Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas?
Imagine the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon, the juicy richness of ground beef, and the melty goodness of cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry crust. That’s the essence of the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanada – a unique fusion of comfort food classics that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
These empanadas offer the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. They’re easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals, game-day gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a delectable and unexpected appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas
To create these flavor-packed empanadas, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
Ground Beef
When it comes to the ground beef, opt for a leaner cut, such as 90% or 93% lean ground beef. This will help ensure that the filling isn’t overly greasy while still providing the rich, beefy flavor you crave.
Bacon
Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a delightful smoky and salty element to the empanada filling. For best results, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Cheese and Vegetables
Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, complementing the beef and bacon flavors. Diced onions and pickles provide a balance of savory and tangy notes, elevating the overall taste profile.
Seasonings and Dough
Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the essential seasonings that bring the filling together. For the dough, you can use a package of refrigerated empanada discs, which simplifies the process and ensures a perfectly flaky crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas
Cooking the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat to prevent the empanadas from becoming greasy.
Mixing in Bacon and Seasonings
Next, stir in the crumbled bacon, diced onions, pickles, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to soften.
Assembling the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of the beef and bacon mixture in the center of each empanada disc. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the disc over to create a half-moon shape, and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges, ensuring a tight seal.
Baking the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet, and brush the tops with a beaten egg. This egg wash will help create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Bake the empanadas for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be hot.
Serving Suggestions
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic options like ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce work wonderfully, while more creative choices like chipotle mayo or garlic aioli can elevate the flavors even further.
For a complete meal, consider serving the empanadas alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries. The combination of the savory, hand-held empanadas and a selection of tasty sides creates a truly satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas lies in their versatility. If you’re looking to explore different flavor profiles, you can easily adjust the fillings to suit your preferences:
- Vegetarian or Vegan Options: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a meatless version.
- Alternative Meats: Experiment with different ground meats, such as turkey or pork, to create unique variations.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to add a kick of heat to the filling.
- Sweet and Savory: Balance the savory elements with a touch of sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Tips for Perfect Empanadas
To ensure your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Be mindful not to overfill the empanada discs, as this can lead to bursting or uneven sealing. Additionally, take care not to underbake the empanadas, as this can result in a soggy, doughy texture.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but this may compromise the crispness of the crust.
FAQs About Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you’re looking for a meatless alternative, you can use plant-based ground crumbles or cooked lentils in place of the ground beef. These substitutions will still provide a hearty texture and savory flavor to the empanada filling.
Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the empanadas in advance. Assemble the empanadas and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply brush the tops with egg wash and bake as directed.
How do I reheat leftover empanadas?
To reheat leftover Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but this may result in a slightly softer crust.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Sandwiches
- Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Cheesy BBQ Bacon Tornado Fries
- BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas offer a delightful and unexpected twist on classic comfort food flavors. With their irresistible combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a flaky pastry crust, these handheld treats are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or the main course, these empanadas are guaranteed to impress and satisfy your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanada experience!
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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
Description
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Empanadas are the perfect handheld comfort food, combining the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger into a flaky pastry. These empanadas are filled with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
Cooking the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Mixing in Bacon and Seasonings
Add crumbled bacon, diced onions, pickles, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Cook until onions are soft.
Assembling the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on each empanada disc. Fold and seal the edges, crimping with a fork.
Baking the Empanadas
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with beaten egg and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
These empanadas can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: empanadas, bacon cheeseburger, comfort food