Easy Ground Beef Empanada Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crispy, golden empanadas bursting with savory ground beef flavor are the ultimate comfort food that will transport you straight to culinary bliss.

These hand-held delights packed with a delicious ground beef filling offer a perfect balance of flaky pastry and rich, seasoned meat.

Every bite tells a story of traditional Latin American cuisine with a homemade twist.

The simple yet robust ingredients come together effortlessly in this classic recipe.

You’ll love how quickly these empanadas come together in your kitchen.

The aroma of spiced beef and buttery crust will have everyone eagerly gathering around the table.

Grab a plate and prepare for a mouthwatering adventure that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Fun Ways To Serve Beef Empanadas

• Fiesta Flavor Companions: Serve with zesty salsa verde for a tangy kick that complements the empanada's rich beef filling.
• Cooling Cream Dip: Whip up a quick sour cream and cilantro sauce to balance the warmth of the spices and add a refreshing touch.
• Sidekick Salad Pairing: Create a light mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette to cut through the empanada's richness and provide a fresh contrast.
• Party Platter Presentation: Arrange empanadas on a wooden board with small dipping bowls, garnished with fresh herbs for a stunning appetizer spread.

Storing Homemade Beef Empanadas

• Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor and quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place frozen or refrigerated empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Zap refrigerated empanadas for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Note that microwaving might slightly soften the pastry's crisp texture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent empanadas from leaking during baking?

Use a fork to firmly press and seal the edges, ensuring no filling escapes. Avoid overfilling the dough and leave a small border around the edges when sealing.

• Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This helps develop deeper flavors and saves time when assembling empanadas.

• What if I don't have fresh bell peppers?

You can substitute with frozen bell peppers or skip them entirely. The filling will still be flavorful with onions, garlic, and spices.

Easy Beef Empanadas: Quick Flavor Guide

• Savor Quick Family Comfort: Perfect for busy households, these ground beef empanadas deliver delicious homemade goodness in minimal preparation steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like ground turkey or adding extra spices to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Affordable ingredients and simple cooking technique make these empanadas an economical meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults.
• One-Pan Meal Magic: Minimal kitchen tools required with straightforward skillet-to-oven cooking process, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.

Beef Empanada Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture for the empanada filling.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: These ingredients create a flavorful and aromatic base that enhances the ground beef mixture.

• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the empanada filling.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy flavor to bind the meat mixture together.

• Olives: Optional ingredient that adds a briny, salty accent to the filling.

• Empanada Dough: The essential wrapper that holds the delicious meat filling.
• Egg: Used for brushing the empanadas to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior when baked.

How To Assemble Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces.

Let the beef turn beautifully brown and drain away any extra fat.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell pepper

Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Spice Up The Filling

• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in tomato sauce and optional olives.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes super tasty.

Remove from heat and allow slight cooling.

Step 4: Prepare The Dough

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Roll out empanada dough and cut into circular shapes around 4-5 inches wide.

Step 5: Shape Your Empanadas

Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of beef filling into dough circle’s center.

Fold dough over creating a half-moon shape.

Press edges firmly and crimp with fork to seal.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Place empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Brush tops with beaten egg for beautiful golden color.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Bake for 18-20 minutes until empanadas turn gorgeous golden brown.

Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.

Tips For Crispy Beef Empanadas

• Choose lean ground beef (80/20 ratio) for juicy yet not greasy filling that holds together perfectly.
• Press empanada edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a clean and professional look.
• Let beef mixture cool slightly before filling to avoid soggy dough and maintain crisp pastry texture.
• Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of smoked paprika to boost the meat's rich, complex taste profile.
• Prepare uncooked empanadas in advance, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals.

Empanada Flavor Options To Explore

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace ground beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a hearty plant-based filling that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Chicken Empanada Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, adding a lighter protein option that keeps the same spice blend and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free flour for the dough and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, creating an accessible version for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional dough with almond flour or use large lettuce leaves as wraps, offering a lighter, keto-friendly approach to the classic empanada.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef empanadas bring Argentina’s rich culinary heritage to your kitchen with crispy pastry and spiced meat filling. Flaky pastry and hearty beef create a perfect handheld meal that delights with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 0.33 cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 small onion
• 1 small red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.25 cup tomato paste
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling the meat until it browns completely and releases excess fat.
2. Incorporate diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper into the meat, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and tender.
3. Season the meat mixture with cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then introduce tomato sauce and olives, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 5 minutes.
4. Heat oven to 400°F and prepare empanada dough by rolling and cutting into 4-5 inch circular shapes.
5. Distribute beef filling centrally on each dough circle, folding the edges to create a crescent shape and firmly sealing the borders using a fork to crimp the edges.
6. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, generously coating the exterior with beaten egg to achieve a rich, golden appearance.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the pastry turns a deep golden brown, indicating a perfectly crisp texture. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier filling without compromising flavor.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the empanada mixture.
• Let the filling cool completely before assembling to prevent dough from becoming soggy and maintain crisp edges during baking.
• Try alternative protein options like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary flexibility and diverse flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 334 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg