How to Make Ropa Vieja Empanadas with Homemade Empanada Dough.

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Chicken is leaner and often less expensive than beef.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is more affordable and has a neutral flavor.

black olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: none

Green olives are a healthier option with similar flavor.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: none

Whole wheat flour adds fiber without increasing cost.

Cook beef in a pot of boiling water until tender, about 1.5-2 hours.

Remove beef, let cool, and shred into thin strips.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add shredded beef back to the skillet along with tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper; simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove bay leaves and stir in chopped black olives and cilantro; adjust seasoning as needed.

In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and water to form a dough; knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.

Divide dough into small balls and roll out into circles.

Place a spoonful of beef mixture on one half of each circle; fold over and seal edges with a fork.

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat; fry empanadas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Alternatively, bake empanadas at 375°F until golden, about 20-25 minutes.

Serve warm with lime wedges.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens