Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

If you're craving something savory, flaky, and full of flavor, then look no further than this Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe! Empanadas are a classic Latin American dish that combines a golden, crispy pastry with a flavorful filling. In this recipe, we'll use seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and simple spices to create a mouthwatering filling, all tucked inside buttery, flaky dough. These empanadas are perfect for a quick snack, party appetizer, or even a hearty meal. Ready to get started? Keep reading for the full recipe, helpful tips, and serving suggestions.

What Are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Empanadas are savory pastries that are typically filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of all three, then baked or fried to perfection. Originating from Spain and Portugal, they have since spread across Latin America and other regions, each culture giving its own twist to the empanada. This particular recipe features a rich, seasoned ground beef filling encased in a crispy, flaky dough. Whether you’re making them for a snack or dinner, empanadas are versatile, portable, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

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

For the Dough:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base for your dough.
• ½ teaspoon salt – For seasoning the dough.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cold and cubed – The key to a flaky crust.
• 1 egg yolk – For richness.
• ⅓ to ½ cup ice water – Add just enough to bring the dough together.

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – Lean ground beef works best.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and texture.
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped – For color and a touch of sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables.
• ¼ cup tomato sauce – Adds moisture and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – For that classic savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds depth and a slight smoky flavor.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder – For a mild kick.
• ¼ cup chopped green olives (optional) – Adds a briny, salty contrast.
• Salt and pepper to taste – For seasoning the filling.

For Assembling:

• 1 egg, beaten – For brushing the empanadas before baking to give them a golden color.

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• ½ teaspoon oregano – To enhance the savory profile of the filling.
• ¼ cup raisins (optional) – For a touch of sweetness.
• Cheese – Add a small cube of cheddar, mozzarella, or queso fresco to each empanada for extra flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about empanadas is that they’re highly customizable! Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Meat Options: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
• Vegetarian Filling: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian empanada.
• Cheesy Empanadas: For a cheesy twist, add grated cheese to the filling, or place a small cube of cheese in the center of each empanada before sealing it.
• Pre-made Dough: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust, puff pastry, or pre-made empanada discs to save time.
• Spice It Up: Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to the filling if you prefer a spicier empanada.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your delicious homemade ground beef empanadas, step by step.

1. Prepare the Dough:

Start by making the dough for your empanadas. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Next, stir in the egg yolk and gradually add the ice water, starting with ⅓ cup and adding more as needed. Mix until the dough comes together but is not too sticky. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Ground Beef Filling:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes 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. Once the beef is browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes), drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano (if using), and chopped olives (optional). Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, then remove it from the heat. Let the mixture cool slightly while you roll out the dough.

3. Roll Out the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (or the rim of a large glass or bowl) to cut out circles of dough, about 4-6 inches in diameter. Re-roll the scraps as needed.

4. Fill and Seal the Empanadas:

Place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle. If you’re adding cheese, place a small cube or spoonful of grated cheese on top of the filling.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish or twist the edges for a traditional empanada look.

5. Bake the Empanadas:

Place the filled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when they bake.

Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

1. Make the dough: Combine flour, salt, butter, egg yolk, and water. Form dough and refrigerate.
2. Prepare the filling: Brown ground beef with onions, peppers, garlic, and spices.
3. Roll the dough: Roll out the dough and cut it into circles.
4. Fill and fold: Spoon ground beef onto each circle, fold into a half-moon, and seal the edges.
5. Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Empanadas: Be careful not to overstuff your empanadas, as they can burst open while baking.
• Not Sealing Properly: Make sure to firmly press and seal the edges of the dough to avoid any leakage during baking.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust, so don’t skip this step.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Empanadas are not only delicious but also a treat for the eyes when presented well. Here are some serving tips:

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve empanadas on a large platter with a variety of dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
• As a Main Dish: Pair the empanadas with a fresh green salad or a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
• As Finger Food: These empanadas are perfect for parties! Serve them as handheld snacks or appetizers with toothpicks for easy eating.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley on top of the empanadas adds a pop of color.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve empanadas with small bowls of dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, or spicy aioli.
• Serve in a Basket: For a rustic look, place the empanadas in a lined basket, perfect for casual gatherings or picnics.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Keep the dough wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days, and store the cooked filling in an airtight container.
• Freeze for Later: Empanadas freeze well! Simply freeze the unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheat Leftovers: Reheat empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I fry empanadas instead of baking them?

Yes! To fry empanadas, heat oil in a deep skillet and fry them until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?

Absolutely! You can use pre-made pie crust, puff pastry, or empanada discs to save time.

How do I store leftover empanadas?

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp them up before serving.

Can I make vegetarian empanadas?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables, beans, or a combination of both for a vegetarian option.

What dips pair well with empanadas?

Empanadas are great with dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, guacamole, or even a simple sour cream and hot sauce mixture.

Conclusion

Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas are a delicious, versatile dish that you can enjoy for lunch, dinner, or as a party snack. With their flaky crust and flavorful filling, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or a finger food at your next gathering, these empanadas are easy to make and even easier to eat! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors packed into each bite.

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