Easy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe – Flaky & Delicious!

Table of Contents: Ground Beef Empanadas

Ground Beef Empanadas

Craving a taste of Latin America? These Homemade Empanadas are golden pastry pockets filled with savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and a touch of tradition. Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a culinary fiesta!

---

Introduction: Ground Beef Empanadas

There’s something undeniably special about biting into a freshly made Ground Beef Empanada. The crisp, flaky crust gives way to a rich, flavorful filling that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of Latin American culinary heritage, bringing warmth and joy to every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for an easy Latin American recipe to impress your family, these empanadas are a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender ground beef, spiced with cumin and paprika, and the addition of green onions, garlic, and olives (or hard-boiled eggs) creates a filling that’s bursting with flavor.

Empanadas are versatile too. Serve them as appetizers, a main course, or even as handheld snacks for picnics and potlucks. With a homemade dough that’s easy to prepare and a filling that cooks quickly, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

---

Alternate Names & Variations

These delicious beef pastry pockets are known by many names across Latin America. In Argentina, they’re simply called “Empanadas de Carne,” while in Chile, they’re often filled with raisins and hard-boiled eggs for a sweet and savory twist. In other regions, empanadas might feature chicken, cheese, or even seafood.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the ground beef for shredded chicken or adding a sprinkle of cheese to the filling. Vegetarian? Substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans. The possibilities are endless!

---

Ingredients: Ground Beef Empanadas

Homemade Dough:

– ¾ cup warm water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 7 tablespoons beef tallow, lard, or unsalted butter (scant ½ cup, melted and warm)

Ground Beef Filling:

– 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
– 2 pounds ground beef (15-20% fat percentage)
– 1 pound yellow onion, diced
– ½ pound green onion, chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
– ⅓ cup chopped pitted green olives (if not using eggs, use ⅔ cup)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Additional:

– 1 egg, for the egg wash

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix warm water and salt. Gradually add flour and melted beef tallow (or butter). Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Filling:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add yellow onion and cook until translucent. Stir in green onion, garlic, and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned. Add spices, olives, and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Mix well and remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:
Roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or bowl to cut circles (about 6 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.

4. Bake or Fry:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, fry in hot oil until crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Pair with chimichurri sauce or your favorite dipping salsa.

---

Recipe Card Block

Preparation Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 12 empanadas | Calories: Approximately 320 per empanada

---

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe shines because of its balance of flavors and textures. The homemade dough is flaky yet sturdy enough to hold the savory filling, while the spices and aromatics elevate the ground beef to new heights.

Pro Tip: For a shortcut, use store-bought empanada dough discs. To freeze uncooked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll last up to 3 months—perfect for quick meals!

---

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover beef empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.

To freeze, wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

---

People Also Ask: Ground Beef Empanadas

How do you make ground beef empanadas?

Making ground beef empanadas involves preparing a simple homemade dough, cooking a flavorful beef filling, assembling the empanadas by folding the dough around the filling, and baking or frying them until golden brown. The process is straightforward and yields delicious, portable pastries perfect for any occasion.

What kind of dough is used for empanadas?

Empanadas typically use a flaky, pastry-like dough made from flour, water, and fat (such as butter or lard). This dough is easy to prepare and can be rolled out thinly to create the perfect casing for the filling.

Can you bake or fry empanadas?

Yes, you can bake or fry empanadas depending on your preference. Baking results in a lighter, flakier pastry, while frying creates a crispier, richer crust. Both methods are delicious!

What spices go into empanada filling?

Traditional empanada fillings often include spices like cumin, sweet paprika, and salt. These spices add depth and warmth to the ground beef, creating a flavorful and aromatic filling.

---

Conclusion: Ground Beef Empanadas

Ready to bring a taste of Latin America to your kitchen? These Ground Beef Empanadas are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you bake or fry them, the crispy pastry pockets filled with savory beef are irresistible.

We’d love to hear how your empanadas turn out! Share your creations with us on social media or leave a comment below. Happy cooking!

---

You Might Also Like:

– Birria Tacos
– Best Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew 🌶️ | Easy, Flavorful, & Family-Friendly Recipe
– Grilled Chicken Breast Recipes That Stay Juicy Every Time
– Easy Three Ingredient Christmas Cake Recipe | Holiday Baking Made Simple

Find Us On Pinterest and Facebook.

Print