Minced beef Herb empanada filling is one of my favourite empanada fillings. It is rich, filling and delectable. What makes it exceptional? It is the Simple Sofrito in it. It totally enriches the taste and makes the filling suitable for so many other uses.

The simple sofrito, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, is a blend of vegetables and herbs and is easy to make at home. It is a condiment that enhances the flavour of so many dishes. You should actually make it and store it in the freezer for use whenever you need it.

chopped vegetables — Chopped vegetables for Simple Sofrito

Minced beef Herb empanada filling can be eaten as it is, just increase the quantity of potato in the filling and make it chunkier. It can also be served with rice, beans, fried or boiled plantains, plantain chips, yam, sweet potato, Irish potatoes, stuffed peppers etc. It is excellent as a filling for empanada, meat pie, taco, coxinha (Brazilian chicken fritters).

If for any reason you cannot make the simple sofrito, skip this filling and use my Minced beef empanada filling recipe they are similar.

To make Minced Beef Herb Empanada filling

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
450g minced beef 
6 tablespoons simple sofrito 
2 cloves garlic, crushed 
2 tablespoons tomato puree (tomato paste) 
2 seasoning cubes 
salt 
1 teaspoon chili powder 
1 medium irish potato (50g), cubed
Use to fill Empanada dough

ingredients for Minced beef Herb Empanada filling

Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan, over medium-high heat.

When hot, add minced beef, stir until browned.

Add sofrito, crushed garlic, stir and cook.

Mix tomato paste with 2 tablespoons water and add to the meat, add seasoning cubes, salt, chilli and potato, stir and cover, lower heat to a simmer.

Cook until the potato is soft, taste and correct seasoning.

If using as a stuffing e.g for empanadas, be sure your filling is moist but not soggy, if it is soggy, leave it open and crank up the heat to dry out.

To serve as a side e.g to rice, it needs to have a little liquid in it.

Add to scrambled egg or use to fill tortilla wraps or pita bread and toss pasta in it for a delightful dinner.

Note

Ensure the pie filling is completely cool before filling the pie.
The Minced Beef Herb empanada filling can be stored well sealed in a freezer bag or container in the freezer.
Store pie in the freezer and reheat from frozen in the microwave or oven.

If you enjoyed the Minced Beef Herb empanada filling, you will also enjoy the Egg and Sardine empanada filling, Spicy boiled egg empanada filling, Minced beef empanada filling, Nigerian Refried beans, Gizdodo and Ripe Plantain empanadas.