Name: Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: Ground beef; Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade); Onion; Bell pepper (any color); Garlic; Tomato paste; Cumin; Paprika; Salt and pepper; Olive oil; Egg (for egg wash)

Empanadas are a classic dish loved around the world, featuring a crispy, flaky pastry filled with savory ingredients. Ground beef empanadas are particularly popular, offering a hearty and satisfying bite that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main meal. They’re easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack, this easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe will hit the spot. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making these delicious hand pies!

What Are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Ground beef empanadas are pastry turnovers filled with a seasoned ground beef mixture and baked or fried to golden perfection. Originating in Latin America, empanadas come in many forms, and their fillings can range from meat and cheese to vegetables and seafood. This recipe focuses on a classic ground beef filling, enhanced with onions, spices, and sometimes even olives or raisins for added flavor. The dough can be homemade or store-bought for convenience, and you can either bake or fry the empanadas depending on your preference.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tasty beef empanadas at home:

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the empanada dough.
Cold Butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the dough.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Cold Water: Helps bring the dough together.

Shortcut: You can use store-bought empanada dough or even refrigerated pie crusts if you’re short on time!

For the Ground Beef Filling:

Ground Beef (80/20): The star ingredient, giving the empanadas a savory, hearty base.
Onion: Finely chopped for added flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced garlic gives the filling a nice aromatic boost.
Bell Pepper: Diced red or green bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch.
Tomato Paste: Adds depth and richness to the filling.
Olives (Optional): Sliced green olives add a briny, tangy contrast to the richness of the beef.
Raisins (Optional): Some traditional empanada recipes add raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Hard-Boiled Egg (Optional): Diced hard-boiled eggs can add extra richness and texture.
Cumin and Paprika: To season the meat and give it a warm, earthy flavor.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For Assembly:

Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water for brushing the tops of the empanadas to give them a golden, shiny finish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

Dough Alternatives: You can use store-bought puff pastry or pie crusts for a flakier texture if you prefer a shortcut.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative, or use a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and black beans.
Spice It Up: Add chili powder, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Different Fillings: Experiment with different fillings such as ground chicken, turkey, or shredded pork. You can also add cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for an extra gooey center.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make perfect ground beef empanadas at home:

Step 1: Make the Dough (or Use Store-Bought)

If making homemade dough, combine the flour, salt, and cold butter in a large mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

While the dough chills, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Once the beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you're using olives, raisins, or hard-boiled eggs, now is the time to add them. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

If using homemade dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out 4-5 inch circles of dough. If using store-bought empanada discs or pie crust, skip this step and simply unroll the dough.

Step 4: Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, or fold the dough edges over themselves for a more traditional look.

Place the assembled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Beat one egg with a tablespoon of water and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the empanadas. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Empanadas

Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the empanadas until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 7: Let Cool and Serve

Once baked or fried, allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, chimichurri, or sour cream.

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

Make the dough or use store-bought empanada discs.
Cook the ground beef filling with onions, garlic, bell pepper, and spices.
Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
Assemble the empanadas by adding the filling and sealing the edges.
Brush with egg wash to ensure a golden finish.
Bake or fry until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes and ensure your empanadas turn out perfectly every time:

Overfilling the Empanadas: Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst while baking or frying. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
Not Sealing the Edges Properly: Make sure to crimp or fold the edges tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Undercooking the Dough: Whether you bake or fry, make sure the empanadas are fully cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
Not Letting the Filling Cool: Allow the beef mixture to cool slightly before filling the empanadas. This prevents the dough from becoming too soft or soggy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Empanadas can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even a full meal. Here are a few ways to serve and present them:

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

As an Appetizer: Serve mini empanadas at your next party alongside dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
As a Main Course: Pair the empanadas with a simple side salad, rice, or beans for a complete meal.
For Meal Prep: These empanadas are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated when needed.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

Arrange the empanadas on a platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls to offer guests options.
For a fun, family-style presentation, place the empanadas in a basket lined with parchment paper.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

Make-Ahead: You can make the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the empanadas.
Freezing Empanadas: Unbaked empanadas freeze beautifully. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Customizing the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Add different vegetables, spices, or cheese for a personalized touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze homemade empanadas?

Yes, empanadas freeze very well. You can freeze them unbaked and bake them straight from frozen, or you can freeze already-baked empanadas and reheat them in the oven.

Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking them?

Absolutely! If you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry the empanadas in hot oil until golden brown. Just make sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Can I use pre-made dough for empanadas?

Yes, you can use store-bought empanada dough, puff pastry, or refrigerated pie crust for convenience.

How long will leftover empanadas last?

Leftover empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

These Ground Beef Empanadas are a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a flaky crust and a savory, spiced ground beef filling, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just looking for a tasty snack, these empanadas are a crowd-pleaser that you can make ahead or freeze for later. Get ready to enjoy this flavorful and satisfying recipe—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!