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Empanadas “de picadillo,” or savory pastry turnovers filled with ground beef, are a longtime favorite in Latin American cuisines. Our Mexican-style version showcases the seasonal, succulent delight of fresh tomato­—also tossed with cucumber in a light and refreshing salad. (Partially peeling the cucumber is an easy way to create textural contrast and a beautiful presentation.) On the side, tangy crema seasoned with lime is perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Ethan Mick

with Tomato-Cucumber Salad & Lime Crema

Empanadas de Picadillo

Ground Beef

Empanada Wrappers

Scallions

Tomato

Lime

Cucumber

Tomato Paste

Mexican Crema

Mexican Spice Blend (Ancho Chile Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin & Dried Mexican Oregano)

Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. [Core and halve the tomato;](#) small dice 1 half and medium dice the remaining half. [Cut off and discard the scallion roots; thinly slice, separating the white bottoms and green tops.](#) Peel the cucumber, leaving alternating strips of skin intact; halve lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out and discard the seeds; medium dice the cucumber. [Using a peeler, remove the lime rind, avoiding the pith; mince the rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest (or use a zester).](https://admin.blueapron.com/#) Quarter the lime. In a bowl, combine the **crema**, **half the lime zest** and **the juice of 1 lime wedge**; [season with salt and pepper to taste.](#)

Prepare the ingredients & make the lime crema:

In a medium pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **ground beef**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, frequently breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 3 to 5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Start the filling:

Add the **tomato paste** and **spice blend** to the pan of ground beef; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the tomato paste is dark red and fragrant. Add the **small diced tomato**, **white bottoms of the scallions**, **remaining lime zest** and **½ cup of water**. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits, 3 to 4 minutes, or until thickened and saucy; season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Finish the filling:

Lightly oil a sheet pan. Fill a small bowl with water. Place the **empanada wrappers** on a work surface. Spoon ¼ cup of the **filling** into the center of each wrapper (you will have extra filling). Using your fingers, working 1 at a time, lightly moisten the edges of the wrappers with water; carefully fold the wrappers in half over the filling. Using a fork, firmly press down on the edges to crimp and seal the empanadas. Carefully transfer to the prepared sheet pan.

Assemble the empanadas:

Place the **empanadas** in the oven and bake, rotating the sheet pan halfway through, 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil. Let stand for at least 2 minutes before serving.

Bake the empanadas:

While the empanadas bake, in a medium bowl, combine the **cucumber**, **medium diced tomato**, **green tops of the scallions** and **the juice of the remaining lime wedges**. [Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.](#) Divide the **baked empanadas** and salad between 2 dishes. Serve with the **lime crema** on the side. Enjoy!