Description
Delicious ground beef empanadas blend Argentine culinary traditions with hearty flavors. Home cooks discover a simple yet satisfying pastry packed with seasoned meat and classic spices that create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Filling:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced bell pepper
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) green olives, chopped
- 1 package empanada dough discs
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Craft the flavor-packed filling by sautéing diced onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate ground beef, cooking until thoroughly browned and crumbled, ensuring no pink remains visible.
- Infuse the meat with aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Pour in tomato sauce and fold in chopped olives, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the seasonings.
- Remove filling from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing the empanada assembly station.
- Position each dough disc on a clean surface, carefully spooning the seasoned beef mixture into the center.
- Fold the dough over the filling, creating a distinctive half-moon shape, and secure edges by pressing firmly with a fork.
- Prepare an egg wash by whisking an egg with water, then delicately brush the surface of each empanada for a golden, glossy finish.
- Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the exterior turns a rich, crispy golden brown.
- Alternatively, for a crisp fried version, submerge in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces like zesty salsa, creamy sour cream, or tangy chimichurri.
Notes
- Customize the filling by adding diced potatoes or corn for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter or vegetarian versions.
- Prepare empanada dough from scratch or use store-bought pastry to save time, ensuring consistent results.
- Freeze uncooked empanadas for future quick meals by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then storing in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg