Savory Ground Beef Empanadas: A Simple Homemade Recipe

Crafting delectable ground beef empanadas brings pure culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Crispy pastry shells hold savory meat that melts with robust seasoning and tender textures.

Argentinian traditions inspire this simple yet satisfying dish perfect for casual dinners.

Flaky golden crusts embrace a rich filling packed with hearty flavors and authentic spices.

Fresh ingredients make these hand-held treats irresistibly delicious and surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through classic comfort food that connects you with global cooking traditions.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create something extraordinary that will impress everyone at the table.

Storage Tips for Ground Beef Empanada

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place cooled empanadas in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They'll keep well for 2-3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed empanadas in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and ensures even heating.

FAQs

• What are empanadas originally from?

Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, and were later popularized throughout Latin America, becoming a beloved street food and traditional dish in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

• Can I use different meats for the filling?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute with ground chicken, pork, or even make vegetarian versions using beans, cheese, or vegetables.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?

Ensure you seal the edges completely by pressing with a fork or crimping, and avoid overfilling the dough circles. A good seal keeps the delicious filling inside.

• Is an egg wash really necessary?

The egg wash helps create a beautiful golden-brown color and gives the empanadas a shiny, attractive appearance. It also helps the edges stick together more securely.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Overview

• Savor Quick Preparation: Whip up these delicious empanadas in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks looking for a satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different spices, add veggies, or swap ground beef for chicken to make this recipe your own personal favorite.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love these handheld treats that pack a flavorful punch and make mealtime fun and interactive.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or game day snacks that'll impress friends and family with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein base that forms the core of the empanada's filling.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the filling.

• Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that create a rich and balanced flavor profile for the ground beef.

• Empanada Dough, Egg: The dough creates a crispy exterior, while the egg wash gives a golden, glossy finish to the pastry.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the meat and vegetables, adding moisture and flavor to the filling.

Preparation for Ground Beef Empanada

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef with Aromatics

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and become fragrant.

Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat browns beautifully and loses its pink color.

Step 2: Spice Up the Filling

• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the beef and create a mouthwatering aroma.

Cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough Circles

Roll out your empanada dough on a lightly floured surface.

Use a round cookie cutter or a small plate to create perfect circular shapes.

Each circle will become a delicious pocket of goodness.

Step 4: Fill and Shape the Empanadas

Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle.

Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Press the edges together with a fork or crimp them with your fingers to create a beautiful seal.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine.

Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Slide the tray into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake until the empanadas turn a beautiful golden brown, typically 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.

The filling will be piping hot, so allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy these crispy, flavor-packed hand pies as a snack, appetizer, or main course!

Tips for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth while cooking ground beef to enhance its richness and complexity.
• Press fork edges firmly or use a crimping method to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Make filling a day in advance and refrigerate to allow spices to meld and intensify flavors.
• Substitute wheat dough with gluten-free pastry or almond flour-based dough for sensitive diets.
• Assemble unbaked empanadas, freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals.

Variations on Ground Beef Empanada

• Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with seasoned shredded chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute beef with black beans, diced mushrooms, and quinoa for a plant-based filling.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, and corn to the ground beef for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pastry dough or almond flour-based dough to create celiac-friendly empanadas.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Fiesta Plate Pairing: Serve these golden empanadas alongside a zesty salsa verde or fresh pico de gallo for a burst of bright, tangy flavors that complement the rich beef filling.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Arrange empanadas on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls of chimichurri sauce, creating an interactive and inviting party spread that encourages sharing.
• Meal Completion Strategy: Balance the hearty empanadas with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the savory pastries.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Top warm empanadas with a sunny-side-up egg and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a breakfast-inspired variation that transforms the classic recipe into a weekend morning delight.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef empanadas bring Latin American street food magic right into home kitchens. Flaky pastry envelops seasoned meat, creating a handheld meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dough and Egg Wash:

• 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
3. Incorporate cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
4. Allow beef filling to cool completely at room temperature, preventing dough from becoming soggy.
5. Roll prepared empanada dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Use a circular cutter to create uniform dough rounds for consistent empanada sizes.
7. Place a measured spoonful of cooled beef mixture slightly off-center on each dough circle.
8. Carefully fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape, ensuring no meat escapes.
9. Press edges firmly with a fork or fingers to create a tight, decorative seal preventing filling leakage.
10. Whisk egg and brush surfaces of assembled empanadas for a glossy, golden finish.
11. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each pastry.
12. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 22-27 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• Prep ground beef mixture ahead of time and let it cool completely to prevent soggy dough and ensure clean folding.
• Use cold butter in dough for flakier, more tender empanada crust that provides delightful texture contrast.
• Consider alternative protein options like shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags, allowing quick and convenient meal preparation later.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg