Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

Empanadas are a delicious, portable snack that you can enjoy any time of the day. This easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe is perfect for those who love savory pastries filled with hearty, flavorful ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through making empanadas that will impress your family and friends. Stick with me through this article to get step-by-step instructions, tips for substitutions, and advice on how to serve your empanadas for maximum enjoyment. Let’s get started!

this Recipe

What are Empanadas?

Empanadas are a type of turnover or hand pie that originated in Spain and have become a popular dish throughout Latin America and beyond. The name "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb "empanar," meaning "to wrap or coat in bread." They can be baked or fried, and the fillings vary widely depending on the region, from meat and cheese to fruits and vegetables. In this recipe, we’ll focus on a savory filling made with seasoned ground beef, which is one of the most popular and delicious variations.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

Before diving into the cooking process, it's essential to gather all your ingredients. Here's a list of everything you’ll need to make delicious homemade ground beef empanadas:

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold butter, diced
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup green olives, sliced (optional)
• ¼ cup raisins (optional)

For Assembling the Empanadas:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Flour for dusting

Substitutions and Variations

Empanadas are highly versatile, and you can easily swap out ingredients or add different fillings to suit your taste. Here are some great substitutions and variations:

1. Meat Options: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works wonderfully in this recipe.
2. Vegetarian Empanadas: Swap out the beef for a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also load the filling with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, black beans, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. Spice Level: If you like your empanadas spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to skip the paprika and cumin and go for more basic seasoning like garlic powder and onion powder.
4. Dough Options: While homemade dough gives the best texture, you can save time by using store-bought pie crust or even pre-made empanada dough, which is often available in the frozen section of many supermarkets.
5. Filling Add-ins: For added richness, you can stir in a handful of shredded cheese into the filling. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella works well. The olives and raisins are optional but offer a nice contrast of flavors if you enjoy sweet and salty combinations.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your ground beef empanadas from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Empanada Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar (if using).
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Make the Ground Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes fragrant.
4. If using, add the sliced olives and raisins for a bit of sweet-savory flavor contrast.
5. Once cooked, remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
3. Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
5. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay closed during baking.
6. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg (egg wash) to help them brown nicely.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
3. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Empanadas: Be careful not to add too much filling, as this can cause the empanadas to burst open while baking.
• Not Chilling the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough to ensure it remains firm and easy to handle.
• Skipping the Egg Wash: Don’t forget the egg wash! This step helps give the empanadas that perfect golden-brown finish.
• Not Sealing Properly: If you don’t seal the edges properly, the filling might leak out during baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your empanadas are baked to golden perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve and present them. Here are a few ideas to elevate your empanada experience:

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

• With a Dipping Sauce: Empanadas pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with salsa, chimichurri, guacamole, or even a spicy aioli for an extra flavor boost.
• With a Side Salad: Serve your empanadas with a light salad of mixed greens, avocado, and lime dressing to create a more balanced meal.
• For Parties: Empanadas make excellent finger food for gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces, so guests can mix and match.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Rustic Platter: Serve your empanadas on a wooden board with some fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a rustic, eye-catching display.
• Bite-Sized: Make mini empanadas for parties or snacks. Simply cut the dough into smaller circles and reduce the baking time slightly.
• Elegant Touch: Garnish the empanadas with fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, and sprinkle with a bit of coarse sea salt for a restaurant-style finish.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

• Freezing Option: Empanadas freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dish. Simply assemble them, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can reheat empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Custom Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the fillings! Swap out the beef for chicken, seafood, or a variety of vegetables for endless flavor possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
A: Yes! Empanadas can be fried in hot oil (about 350°F) for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Make sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Q: Are empanadas gluten-free?
A: Traditional empanada dough is made with all-purpose flour, but you can make gluten-free empanadas by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the filling ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q: Can I use pre-made dough?
A: Yes, pre-made pie crust or empanada dough can save time. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and watch for the dough to become golden brown.

Conclusion

Making homemade ground beef empanadas is a rewarding culinary experience that yields delicious, flavorful pastries perfect for any occasion. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can customize your empanadas to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving them as a meal, snack, or party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Now that you know how to make these tasty treats, it's time to gather your ingredients and give it a try! Enjoy your homemade empanadas with friends and family, and don't forget to experiment with different fillings and flavors to make them your own.

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