The Juiciest Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Ever

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

Pastry dough wraps around seasoned meat, creating a crispy golden package of deliciousness.

Argentinian and Chilean cultures have perfected these handheld delights over generations.

Each bite promises a burst of savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges and tender filling make this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable experience.

You’ll find these empanadas surprisingly easy to prepare and impossible to resist.

Grab a plate and get ready to impress everyone at the table!

Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas That Impress

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal that doesn't require complex culinary skills, this ground beef empanada recipe delivers amazing flavors with minimal preparation.
• Family Feast Favorite: Packed with savory ground beef and aromatic spices, these handheld treats appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dinner option that brings everyone together.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for casual gatherings, potlucks, game nights, or weekend meals, these empanadas can be prepared ahead of time and easily transported, ensuring you're always ready to impress guests with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: The basic recipe allows for endless variations – swap beef for chicken, add different spices, or include cheese to match your family's taste preferences and keep mealtime exciting.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the hearty core of the empanada filling.
• Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the filling.
• Green Bell Pepper: Contributes a mild, fresh vegetable element to the mixture.

• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the richness and adds a subtle tangy note to the beef.
• Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy spice characteristic of Latin American cuisine.
• Paprika: Introduces a mild, sweet pepper flavor and rich color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Dough: The soft, flaky wrapper that encases the savory beef filling.
• Olive Oil: Used for sauteing vegetables and adding a light, smooth flavor.
• Egg: Creates a golden, glossy exterior when used as a wash for the empanadas.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ground Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

In a skillet, warm olive oil and gently sauté finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced green bell peppers.

Cook until the vegetables become soft and release their fragrant flavors, creating a delicious base for the filling.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat into small, even crumbles.

Ensure the beef is completely cooked through and has a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 3: Spice Up the Filling

• Tomato paste
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and intensify the flavor profile.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough Rounds

Roll out the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface.

Use a circular cutter or a small plate to create uniform dough circles for the empanadas.

Step 5: Fill the Empanada Pockets

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

The filling should be centered to ensure proper sealing.

Step 6: Seal the Empanadas

Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.

Use a fork to press and crimp the edges, creating a tight seal that prevents the filling from leaking during baking.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

Gently brush the empanadas with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy exterior.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the pastry turns a beautiful golden-brown color.

Tips for Delicious Ground Beef Empanadas

• Crimp empanada edges tightly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Place empanadas on a preheated baking sheet to ensure crispy, golden crust underneath.
• Adjust spice levels by adding extra cumin, paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more kick.
• Prepare uncooked empanadas, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals.
• Pair with chimichurri or salsa for an authentic South American flavor boost.

Variations to Try with Ground Beef Empanadas

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Chicken Empanadas: Swap ground beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Empanadas: Use gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for the dough to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Empanadas: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and extra cayenne pepper to increase heat and create a zesty flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange empanadas on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa verde, and spicy aioli for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Fresh Fiesta Side Kick: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with lime vinaigrette or pair with black bean rice for a complete Latin-inspired meal that packs serious flavor.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Cut empanadas into smaller bite-sized portions for easy snacking during sports events, movie nights, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat empanadas in an air fryer for a crispy texture, or pack them cold in lunch boxes for a delicious midday treat that stays exciting and tasty.

How to Store Ground Beef Empanadas Properly

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each empanada individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled empanadas in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Remove empanadas from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Bake wrapped in foil for 10-15 minutes until heated through, then unwrap and bake an additional 3-5 minutes to crisp the exterior.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this empanada recipe?

The key spices are cumin and paprika, which add warmth and depth to the ground beef filling.

• Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork depending on your preference.

• Is this recipe considered a traditional Latin American dish?

Empanadas are popular in many Latin American countries, with each region having its own unique twist on the recipe.

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

Seal the edges firmly with a fork and make sure not to overfill the dough circles to prevent filling from seeping out during baking.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef empanadas delight palates with Argentine culinary charm. Flaky pastry shells cradle seasoned meat, promising a delectable journey through Latin American flavors you’ll savor with each crisp, delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 green bell pepper

Spices, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pie crust or empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped green bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles while cooking until meat loses its pink color and develops a rich brown exterior.
3. Incorporate tomato paste and aromatic spices including cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
4. Allow the filling to simmer and develop deep flavors for 5-7 minutes, ensuring all ingredients meld together completely.
5. Roll out prepared dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into uniform circular shapes using a round cutter or small plate as a guide.
6. Position a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture precisely in the center of each dough circle, leaving sufficient border for sealing.
7. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and firmly crimp edges using a fork to create a secure, decorative seal.
8. Gently brush the assembled empanadas with beaten egg wash to ensure a glossy, golden-brown finish during baking.
9. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until pastry turns crisp and achieves a rich, amber coloration.

Notes

• Check ground beef fat content for optimal flavor and juiciness, leaner meat might require added oil.
• Finely dice vegetables to ensure even cooking and smooth filling texture.
• Experiment with spice blend by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth and heat.
• Allow filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy dough and easier sealing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg