Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

Empanadas are a delicious and portable hand pie filled with savory or sweet fillings, making them a popular dish across many cultures. If you're craving a savory, comforting snack or meal, this Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe is perfect! These empanadas are stuffed with flavorful ground beef, onions, and spices, all wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main dish, they’re sure to please a crowd. Plus, they’re super easy to make—especially with store-bought dough!

What Are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Ground beef empanadas are pastry turnovers stuffed with a seasoned ground beef filling. The filling usually includes onions, garlic, and sometimes other vegetables like peppers or olives, cooked in a flavorful blend of spices like cumin and paprika. The empanadas are then baked or fried until golden brown. You can make the dough from scratch, but using store-bought pie crust or empanada dough makes this recipe super quick and easy.

Ingredients List for Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious empanadas:

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) of ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Yellow or white onions work best for a slightly sweet flavor.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Adds depth of flavor.
• Bell pepper: 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped (optional). Red, green, or yellow bell pepper adds sweetness and color.
• Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons for richness and flavor.
• Olives: ¼ cup of chopped green or black olives (optional). Adds a salty, briny flavor.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon for warmth and color.
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon for a smoky, earthy flavor.
• Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (optional) for a bit of spice.
• Salt and pepper: To taste for seasoning.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the veggies.

For the Empanada Dough:

• Empanada dough: 10-12 empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade). You can also use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute.

For Assembling the Empanadas:

• Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water to brush on the dough before baking. This helps create a golden, shiny crust.
• Cheese: ½ cup of shredded cheese (optional). Cheddar or mozzarella works well if you want to add a cheesy twist.

Substitutions and Variations

Empanadas are highly versatile, so feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can replace the beef. For a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils, black beans, or sautéed mushrooms as a filling.
• Cheese Addition: Add cheese for a gooey, delicious filling. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella are great options.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Sweet and Savory: Try adding a handful of raisins or a diced hard-boiled egg to the filling for a sweet and savory combination—common in many traditional empanada recipes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making these easy ground beef empanadas. They can be baked or fried, depending on your preference.

Step 1: Make the Ground Beef Filling

1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the veggies: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Season the filling: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the spices to blend with the beef.
5. Add the olives: Stir in the chopped olives (if using) and let the mixture cook for another minute. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Cool the filling: Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• If using store-bought empanada dough discs or pie crust, remove them from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for easier handling.
• If using homemade dough, roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness and cut out 4-6 inch circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you’re baking the empanadas.
2. Fill the dough: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough disc. If using cheese, sprinkle a little over the beef mixture.
3. Seal the empanadas: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork to seal the empanada.
4. Egg wash: Brush each empanada with the egg wash to give them a shiny, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake or Fry the Empanadas

• Baking: Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
• Frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve

• Once the empanadas are golden and cooked through, remove them from the oven or frying oil and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce like salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri.

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

1. Prepare the filling: Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, bell pepper, and seasonings.
2. Prepare the dough: Use store-bought empanada dough or pie crust and cut into circles.
3. Assemble the empanadas: Fill each dough disc with beef mixture, fold over, and crimp the edges.
4. Bake or fry: Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or fry in oil until golden brown.
5. Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your empanadas come out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overfilling the Empanadas: Be careful not to overfill the empanadas. If there’s too much filling, the dough may tear, or the filling could spill out during cooking.
• Not Letting the Filling Cool: If you fill the empanadas while the beef mixture is too hot, it can make the dough soggy and harder to seal properly. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling.
• Under-seasoning the Filling: Taste the filling before assembling the empanadas. The filling is the star, so make sure it's well-seasoned and flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are a few ways to serve your delicious beef empanadas:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve the empanadas with a variety of sauces like salsa, guacamole, chimichurri, or sour cream.
• As a Meal: Pair the empanadas with a fresh green salad, Spanish rice, or black beans for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: If serving these at a party, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They make the perfect finger food!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas

Empanadas are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve 2-3 empanadas per person alongside a salad or rice.
• As a Party Appetizer: Mini empanadas are a great party appetizer. Make them smaller (about 2 inches) and serve with a variety of dips.
• On-the-Go: These empanadas are perfect for meal prep or taking on the go. Just pop them in the oven to reheat, and they’re good to go.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

To make your empanadas look as good as they taste, try these presentation tips:

• Platter Presentation: Arrange the empanadas in a fan shape on a large serving platter with small bowls of dipping sauces in the center.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the empanadas for a pop of color and freshness.
• Mini Empanadas: For parties, make mini empanadas and serve them on a wooden board or in a basket lined with parchment paper for a rustic look.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your empanadas turn out perfectly:

• Make the Filling Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This makes assembling the empanadas quicker when you’re ready to bake or fry them.
• Freeze for Later: These empanadas freeze well! Freeze the assembled, unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat baked empanadas, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to crisp them back up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze homemade empanadas?
A: Yes! Assemble the empanadas but don’t bake or fry them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen—just add 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I make empanada dough from scratch?
A: Absolutely! If you want to make homemade empanada dough, you can make a simple dough using flour, butter, salt, and water. It’s similar to pie crust and works perfectly for empanadas.

Q: How do I store leftover empanadas?
A: Store baked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Conclusion

These Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas are the perfect combination of savory, comforting flavors wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Whether you bake or fry them, these empanadas are sure to impress, and they’re perfect for any occasion—from quick weeknight meals to party appetizers. The filling can be customized to your liking, making this recipe incredibly versatile and fun to make. Give them a try, and enjoy a delicious, portable meal that’s packed with flavor in every bite!

Print