Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

If you're looking for a tasty, hand-held meal that's perfect for any occasion, you can't go wrong with Ground Beef Empanadas. These savory turnovers are filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and a blend of spices wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. Whether you're serving them as appetizers, snacks, or a main dish, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. The best part? They're easier to make than you might think! In this recipe, we'll walk you through the steps to create these delicious beef empanadas from scratch. Let's get started!

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What Are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Ground Beef Empanadas are a type of pastry filled with a savory beef mixture and baked or fried until golden brown. Empanadas are popular in many Latin American countries, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe. In this version, seasoned ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in dough and baked until crispy. The result is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, dinner, or party appetizer.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious ground beef empanadas:

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup cold water (more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean beef is best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ¼ cup tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for added richness)
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional, traditional in some variations)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize your Ground Beef Empanadas to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some options:

• Meat Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground beef for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Cheese Filling: Add a bit of shredded cheese (like mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack) to the filling for a cheesy twist.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or red pepper flakes if you like a kick, or use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Pre-Made Dough: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry dough instead of making your own.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to make Ground Beef Empanadas from scratch.

Step 1: Make the Empanada Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your hands) to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Slowly add this mixture to the flour and butter, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently until it’s smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

While the dough is chilling, make the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce (or tomato paste) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped olives and hard-boiled egg, if using. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.

Gather the scraps, roll them out again, and continue cutting circles until all the dough is used.

Step 4: Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as they might burst open during baking.

Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork to seal the empanadas tightly.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash and Bake

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush each one with the beaten egg. This will give the empanadas a beautiful golden color as they bake.

Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like chimichurri, salsa, or sour cream.

How to Cook Ground Beef Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make Ground Beef Empanadas:

1. Make the dough: Mix flour, salt, butter, egg, and water to form the dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, spices, and tomato sauce. Add olives and egg, if desired.
3. Roll out the dough: Cut the dough into circles about 4-5 inches in diameter.
4. Assemble the empanadas: Add beef filling, fold, and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Bake the empanadas: Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy: Garnish with parsley and serve warm with dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Empanadas: Avoid adding too much filling, as this can cause the empanadas to burst during baking. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
• Not Sealing the Edges Properly: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed by pressing them together and crimping with a fork. This prevents the filling from leaking out.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough is crucial for a flaky texture. Don’t skip this step, as it helps the dough hold its shape during baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground Beef Empanadas are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some thoughtful presentation and serving ideas:

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve your empanadas with chimichurri, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
• As a Main Dish: Pair empanadas with a simple side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
• At a Party: Serve the empanadas as finger food or appetizers at parties with a variety of dipping sauces.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness to the plate.
• Serve on a Wooden Board: Arrange empanadas on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces for a beautiful, casual presentation.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the empanada dough and filling a day in advance. Keep them separate in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.
• Freezing: Empanadas freeze well! Assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Leftovers: Store leftover empanadas in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
A: Yes! If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry dough instead of making your own. It will still taste delicious

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Q: Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
A: Absolutely! To fry, heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes! The beef filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and assemble the empanadas when you're ready to bake.

Q: How do I reheat leftover empanadas?
A: Reheat leftover empanadas in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

These Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas are a perfect combination of savory flavors and flaky pastry. Whether you're making them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they're sure to be a hit with family and friends. With a flavorful beef filling and a crispy, golden crust, these empanadas are comfort food at its best. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious satisfaction of making empanadas from scratch!

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