Name: Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: latin american
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional); Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade); 1 egg (for egg wash)

Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a full meal. One of the most popular versions is the ground beef empanada. This recipe will show you how to make easy homemade ground beef empanadas that are packed with flavor. From the perfect dough to savory beef filling, you’ll learn all the essential tips and tricks to get your empanadas just right. Keep reading to discover the ultimate guide to creating these tasty hand-held pies, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serving ideas to make them your own!

What Are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Empanadas are stuffed pastry turnovers that originate from Spanish and Latin American cuisine. The name "empanada" comes from the Spanish word empanar, which means "to coat or wrap in bread." Traditionally, empanadas are made by folding dough over a filling, sealing the edges, and baking or frying them to golden perfection. Ground beef empanadas are a popular variation where seasoned beef, sometimes with vegetables, is used as the filling. These savory treats are highly versatile, and you can easily modify the recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into cubes)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 egg
½ cup cold water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Ground Beef Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
½ green bell pepper (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup green olives (sliced)
1 hard-boiled egg (chopped, optional)
¼ cup raisins (optional, for a sweet contrast)

Substitutions and Variations

Empanadas are wonderfully adaptable, and you can easily change the ingredients to suit your preferences or what's available in your kitchen. Below are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

Meat Alternatives: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, you can swap the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans.
Dough Alternatives: If you're short on time or prefer a different texture, you can use pre-made pie crust, puff pastry, or even store-bought empanada dough to save time.
Cheese Addition: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack into the beef mixture.
Sweet and Spicy: Want to add a kick? Throw in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Alternatively, add a bit of sweetness by including chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries instead of raisins.
Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A touch of oregano, cilantro, or fresh parsley can add a burst of fresh flavor to your empanadas.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making homemade ground beef empanadas can be broken down into two main parts: preparing the dough and making the beef filling. Once both are ready, you’ll assemble the empanadas and bake them to perfection. Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof empanada-making experience.

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the chilled butter cubes and work them into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar.
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add an extra tablespoon of water.
Knead the dough briefly until smooth, then wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

2. Make the Ground Beef Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add in the sliced green olives, raisins, and chopped hard-boiled egg if using, and mix well. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.

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

Now that your dough and filling are ready, it's time to assemble and cook your empanadas. Follow these simple steps to ensure your empanadas turn out perfectly crispy and golden brown.

1. Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
Using a round cutter (about 4-6 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll any scraps to make more circles.

2. Fill and Seal the Empanadas

Place a tablespoon or two of the cooled ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal the empanadas.
For extra security, you can also brush the edges with a bit of water or beaten egg before crimping.

3. Bake the Empanadas

Arrange the filled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a glossy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
Let them cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Empanadas: It’s tempting to stuff as much filling as possible into your empanadas, but too much can cause the dough to tear or leak during baking. Stick to a tablespoon or two of filling per empanada.
Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the chilling step can make the dough harder to work with and less flaky. Always let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Under-seasoning the Filling: Ground beef can be a bit bland without enough seasoning, so don’t skimp on the spices! Taste your filling and adjust as needed before assembling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is just as important as flavor when serving ground beef empanadas. Here are a few tips to make your empanadas look as good as they taste:

Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, or sour cream to add extra flavor and texture.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on the serving plate to brighten up the presentation.
Arranged on a Platter: Lay the empanadas neatly on a large serving platter, with dipping sauces in small bowls on the side.

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

Ground beef empanadas are best served hot, straight out of the oven. These empanadas can be a fantastic snack on their own, or you can serve them as a part of a larger meal. Here are a few ways to serve them:

As a Snack: Serve them with dipping sauces like guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy salsa.
As a Main Dish: Pair your empanadas with a side salad or a light soup for a complete meal.
As Party Food: These empanadas are perfect for parties or gatherings. Arrange them on a platter for guests to grab and enjoy.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

Classic Basket Presentation: Serve your empanadas in a woven basket lined with a colorful napkin to give them a rustic feel.
Mini Empanadas for Appetizers: Make smaller empanadas and serve them on a wooden board or tray with a variety of dipping sauces.
Fancy Plate Setting: For a more formal presentation, place empanadas on individual plates with a drizzle of chimichurri sauce and a small salad on the side.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

Freeze for Later: Empanadas freeze well, making them a great make-ahead meal. Simply freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Don’t Skip the Egg Wash: Brushing the empanadas with a beaten egg before baking gives them that beautiful golden color and a slight sheen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
A: Yes! Empanadas can be fried in hot oil for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Just make sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely. The dough can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: What can I serve with empanadas?
A: Empanadas pair well with a variety of side dishes like black bean salad, rice and beans, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Ground beef empanadas are an easy, delicious, and versatile dish that everyone will love. Whether you're making them for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or party appetizers, this recipe will guide you step by step to empanada perfection. Experiment with different fillings and variations, and enjoy these flavorful hand pies whenever the craving strikes! Don't forget to share them with friends and family—they're bound to be a hit!