Pastelillos, also known as meat pies, are a delightful treat that combines a savory filling with a crispy, golden crust. These handheld pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering or a casual snack. The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and flaky dough creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to please everyone.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few specific items. The empanada dough discs are not typically found in every household pantry, so be sure to check the frozen section of your grocery store. Additionally, make sure you have fresh garlic and a good quality tomato sauce to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Ingredients for Pastelillos Meat Pies Recipe
Ground beef: The main protein for the filling, providing a rich and hearty base.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic element to the filling.
Cumin: A warm spice that adds earthiness and complexity.
Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a vibrant color.
Tomato sauce: Brings moisture and a tangy richness to the filling.
Empanada dough discs: The pastry that encases the filling, creating a crispy and flaky exterior.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
Technique Tip for Making Meat Pies
To ensure your empanada dough discs seal properly and don't open during baking, lightly brush the edges with a bit of water before folding them over. This helps create a stronger bond when you press the edges together with a fork.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great vegetarian alternative that mimic the texture of ground meat and absorb flavors well.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion-like flavor and add a different texture to the filling.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it has a more concentrated flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor and a bit of sweetness.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder contains cumin and adds a bit of heat and complexity.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the dish while maintaining the same color and similar flavor.
paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds heat and a slightly different flavor profile but can be used in smaller amounts.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and flavor, though they may be slightly chunkier.
tomato sauce - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can add a bit of extra flavor and spice, making the filling more complex.
empanada dough discs - Substitute with pie crust: Pie crust can be used to create a similar flaky texture for the pastelillos.
empanada dough discs - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry offers a light and airy texture, adding a different but delicious twist.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the filling.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze Your Meat Pies
Allow the pastelillos to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dough soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled pastelillos in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For long-term storage, wrap each pastelillo individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents freezer burn.
Place the wrapped pastelillos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. This initial freezing step ensures they don't stick together.
Once frozen solid, transfer the pastelillos to a large freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated pastelillos, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For reheating frozen pastelillos, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen pastelillos on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Avoid microwaving pastelillos as it can make the dough chewy and less crispy. The oven method ensures they retain their delightful texture.
If you prefer, you can also reheat pastelillos in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pastelillos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and the crust is crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pastelillos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly. This method will keep the crust nice and crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the pastelillos in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are warmed through and the crust is crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the pastelillos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may result in a softer crust.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pastelillos on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and the crust is crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Meat Pies
Skillet: Used to cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic until browned and softened.
Spatula: Handy for stirring and breaking up the ground beef while it cooks.
Knife: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cumin and paprika accurately.
Measuring cup: Necessary for measuring the tomato sauce.
Mixing bowl: Useful for letting the meat mixture cool down before filling the dough discs.
Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the empanada dough discs if they need to be flattened further.
Fork: Used to seal the edges of the empanada dough discs.
Baking sheet: Holds the pastelillos while they bake in the oven.
Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the pastelillos until golden brown.
Cooling rack: Allows the pastelillos to cool down slightly after baking.
How to Save Time on Making Meat Pies
Prepare the filling in advance: Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture the day before and store it in the fridge.
Use pre-made dough: Opt for store-bought empanada dough discs to save time on rolling and cutting.
Batch assembly: Lay out all the dough discs and fill them in one go to streamline the process.
Quick cooling: Spread the cooked filling on a baking sheet to cool it faster before assembling the pastelillos.
Freeze extras: Make a double batch and freeze the extras for a quick meal later.
Pastelillos Meat Pies Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce
- 1 package Empanada Dough Discs
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- 3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
- 4. Stir in cumin, paprika, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool.
- 6. Roll out empanada dough discs. Place a spoonful of meat mixture in the center of each disc.
- 7. Fold the dough over and seal the edges with a fork.
- 8. Place pastelillos on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Wet Burritos Recipe50 Minutes
- Pancit Recipe35 Minutes
- Cincinnati Chili Recipe2 Minutes
- Baked Pasta Recipe45 Minutes
- Spaghetti Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes Recipe1 Hours
- Tomato and Garlic Pasta Recipe30 Minutes
- Italian Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs Recipe1 Hours
- Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe Recipe25 Minutes
Leave a Reply