Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe: Flavorful Latin Comfort

Crafting a delectable ground beef empanada brings pure culinary magic into your kitchen.

Latin American flavors dance across your taste buds with each crispy, golden bite.

Savory seasoned meat nestles inside delicate pastry, creating a perfect handheld meal.

Home cooks can master this classic dish without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Flaky pastry wrapped around spiced beef promises a delightful experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Quick preparation means you can serve these irresistible pockets in under an hour.

Every bite tells a story of comfort and tradition that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Cook Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

Step 1: Prepare Dough Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in flour with a sprinkle of salt. Crumble cold butter into tiny pieces using your fingertips until the mixture looks like rough sand.

Slowly drizzle chilled water and knead until the dough forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for a quick half-hour rest.

Step 2: Create Savory Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant.

Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking until it turns a rich brown color. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Spice Up the Filling

• Tomato sauce
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Green olives

Let the mixture simmer and develop deep flavors for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 4: Roll and Shape Dough

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the chilled dough to a thin sheet.

Use a round cutter to create perfect dough circles.

Step 5: Assemble Empanadas

Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of beef filling into the center of each dough circle.

Fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly and crimp with a fork to seal completely.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each empanada with beaten egg for a gorgeous golden finish.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful bronze color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your freshly baked empanadas and serve with zesty salsa or creamy sour cream for dipping.

Enjoy the delicious homemade treat straight from your kitchen!

Helpful Tips for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure a flaky, tender crust that won't shrink during baking.
• Drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent soggy empanadas and maintain a crisp texture.
• Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or oregano to add depth and personalize the filling flavor.
• Let the beef mixture cool before filling to prevent dough from becoming soggy and ensure easier sealing.
• Seal empanada edges tightly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking and create a classic crimped look.

Flavor Twists for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Vegetarian Bean Empanada: Replace ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a protein-packed vegetarian version that's equally delicious.
• Chicken Empanada Variation: Swap ground beef for finely chopped cooked chicken, adding shredded rotisserie meat with similar spices for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Empanada Alternative: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring the dough remains tender and flaky while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Chorizo Empanada Twist: Substitute ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage, enhancing the filling with additional smoky and bold flavor profiles that kick up the heat.

Pairing Suggestions for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Fiesta Party Platter: Arrange empanadas on a colorful wooden board with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a festive sharing experience that invites everyone to grab and enjoy.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these portable empanadas in a cooler for outdoor adventures, accompanying them with a crisp green salad and chilled lemonade for a complete meal that travels well.
• Tapas-Style Appetizer: Slice empanadas into smaller bite-sized pieces, serve on cocktail skewers with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, creating elegant finger food perfect for cocktail parties or game nights.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal: Serve empanadas alongside a simple black bean rice, creating a hearty dinner that combines warmth, flavor, and satisfying comfort in every bite.

Storing Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Correctly

• Refrigerate leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual empanadas in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before storing to keep them from drying out.
• Freeze unbaked or baked empanadas for long-term storage up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

FAQs

• Are empanadas difficult to make at home?

Empanadas are surprisingly easy to prepare. With basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create delicious homemade empanadas in your own kitchen.

• Can I use different meats for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground beef can be replaced with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Each meat brings a unique flavor to the empanadas.

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

Ensure you seal the edges tightly by pressing them with a fork. Avoid overfilling the dough and make sure there are no gaps when crimping the edges.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, empanadas are perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch, freeze them before baking, and cook them directly from frozen when needed.

Reasons to Try Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Craft a Delicious Adventure: Easy homemade empanadas invite you to explore mouthwatering flavors without complicated techniques.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Perfect for beginners, this recipe guides you through simple steps, ensuring successful results even for novice cooks.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap ingredients like olives or adjust spices to match your taste preferences, making these empanadas a versatile meal option.
• Party-Perfect Crowd Pleaser: Portable, handheld, and packed with savory beef, these empanadas are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and casual family dinners.

Ingredients for Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure for the empanada pastry.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky and tender texture in the pastry.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the dough ingredients together.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that forms the hearty core of the empanada.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings moisture and tangy richness to the beef mixture.
• Green Olives: Introduces a briny and salty element to the filling.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Create a warm and complex spice profile for the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.
• Beaten Egg: Used as a golden-brown glaze for the empanada exterior.

Crispy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef empanadas blend Latin American culinary traditions with simple ingredients. Flaky pastry pockets filled with spiced meat offer a delicious handheld meal you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dough Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water

Assembly Ingredient:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Craft the pastry dough by blending flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Work cold butter into the mixture using fingertips until it resembles rough crumbs. Gradually incorporate cold water until the dough coheres, then shape into a compact ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, crumbling the meat while it browns. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.
3. Enhance the meat mixture by integrating tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and green olives. Simmer the filling for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Utilize a round cutter to create circular dough sections.
5. Position 1-2 tablespoons of prepared beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold pastry into a half-moon shape, sealing edges by pressing and crimping with a fork.
6. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush surfaces with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns a rich, golden brown color.
7. Serve immediately alongside preferred condiments like salsa or sour cream for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Keep butter extremely cold to achieve a flaky, tender empanada crust that crumbles perfectly when bitten.
• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to prevent excess liquid and ensure a rich, concentrated filling flavor.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, black beans, or vegetarian alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Prepare and freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 3 months, allowing quick and convenient meal preparation anytime.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 311 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 57 mg