WW Beef Empanadas

by

The WW Beef Empanadas are amazing because the WW points are not very high. In this recipe, we will avoid using oil so that the calories do not increase much. This can work great for snacking cravings or for family dinners. Serve these WW Beef Empanadas for occasions, or any special event too. We will make the dough and the beef filling for these delicious empanadas. Gathering the equipment for this recipe is not going to be a hassle. Weight Watchers can easily enjoy this dish with no pressure of guilt.

STATS:

  • Prep duration: 20 minutes
  • Cuisine: Latin
  • Course: Main or snack
  • Diet: Weight Watchers
  • Serving: 10 empanadas
  • Cooking time: 25 minutes
  • Total duration: 45 minutes
  • Number of calories: 160 kcal
  • Portion size: 1 empanada

EQUIPMENT:

  • Measuring spoons
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring cups
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking tray
  • Rolling pin
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Non-stick skillet

INGREDIENTS:

BEEF FILLING:

  • 250 grams extra-lean ground beef
  • Half a cup chopped onion
  • Quarter cup finely chopped bell pepper
  • One teaspoon garlic powder
  • Half teaspoon paprika
  • Quarter teaspoon black pepper
  • Half teaspoon cumin
  • Two tablespoons tomato paste
  • Half teaspoon salt
  • Quarter cup water

DOUGH:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • Half teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water

BRUSHING:

  • Two tbsp low-fat milk

INGREDIENT NOTES:

EXTRA-LEAN GROUND BEEF:

  • This will be the main thing to use in your recipe. We will use the extra lean one so that our snack does not get heavy. The taste of your snack will become good. Lean chicken can also be an option for your use.

BELL PEPPER AND ONION:

  • These will add moisture to your dish when they cook. Onion will give sweetness to your empanadas. Zucchini or carrot (grated) can be an option for you here.

SPICES:

  • The flavor of your snack will be better if you use spices. Also, there will be no calories added with the spices you will use. Add the spices the way you prefer.

TOMATO PASTE & WATER:

  • When you mix both of them, they will give your snack moisture. These will also help in making the filling richer. Crush tomatoes and use them for an alternative option.

WATER & FLOUR DOUGH:

  • You will make the dough using water and all-purpose flour. This will make your dough light as well as softer. An alternative to all-purpose flour can be whole wheat flour.

LOW-FAT MILK:

  • This will work for your brushing purpose on your empanadas. Also, this will give softness and a golden color to your snack. You may also use egg white as an alternative.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Warm the oven to 180°C.
  2. Use the non-stick pan to warm over moderate heat.
  3. Add the beef to cook to make it brown.
  4. Include bell pepper and onion as well.
  5. Keep cooking to make them softer.
  6. Now comes the use of water, tomato paste, and spices.
  7. Cooking time will be five minutes.
  8. Let the mix cool down.
  9. Use a bowl to add salt and flour to mix them.
  10. Gradually include in warm water to mix to create a dough by kneading.
  11. Place some covering on your dough to keep it for ten min.
  12. Then roll it out to make small and thinner circular pieces.
  13. Include the filling mix in the circles.
  14. Then comes the folding of your dough pieces and closing their corners with a fork.
  15. You should have shapes like empanadas.
  16. Place parchment on your tray.
  17. Then assemble the filled empanadas on it.
  18. Lastly, brush them with milk.
  19. Baking time will be 25 min for your empanadas.
  20. Now they are ready for your eating.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

  • You can eat these with some salad for a balanced meal.
  • Add salsa to your snack for a good flavor.
  • Serve the empanadas with plain yogurt for dipping.

TIPS:

  • Use a fine-quality non-stick pan for cooking your filling.
  • Add some water to your pan if the meat is sticking to it.
  • Don’t fill your empanadas too much, or they might leak.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

  • Add the empanadas to a tight box to refrigerate for four days.

FREEZER:

  • Put the cooked or uncooked snack in the freezer for two months.

FAQs:

Can I remove the brushing step?

  • Yes, you may skip the brushing, but the color of your empanadas will become light.

Will my dough become too dry without oil?

  • No, the dough will remain moist because you are using warm water.

Can I cook them in the air fryer?

  • Yes, you can cook them at 180°C for around twelve minutes.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calcium: 42 g

Vitamin A: 330 IU

Sodium: 270 g

Calories: 160 kcal

Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 15 g

Iron: 2.4 g

Potassium: 215 g

Net carbs: 18 g

Total carbs: 20 g

WW Points: 4 points