Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

Empanadas are a classic, delicious hand-held pastry filled with savory ingredients that make the perfect snack, appetizer, or even dinner. This Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe features a flavorful, seasoned beef filling inside a golden, flaky pastry. These empanadas are perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or even as a quick weeknight dinner. The best part? You can make them from scratch or use store-bought dough to save time. Ready to make some delicious homemade empanadas? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

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What Are "Ground Beef Empanadas"?

Ground Beef Empanadas are pastries filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, garlic, and seasonings, all wrapped in a flaky pastry dough and baked until golden brown. These hand-held pockets of deliciousness are popular in Latin American and Spanish cuisine, but they’re easy to make at home with simple ingredients. You can bake or fry them, and they’re perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

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Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful Ground Beef Empanadas:

1. Ground Beef (1 lb) – Provides the base for the savory filling.
2. Onion (1 medium, finely diced) – Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
3. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – For a flavorful kick.
4. Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
5. Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons) – Adds richness and depth of flavor to the filling.
6. Green Olives (¼ cup, chopped) – Adds a briny, salty contrast (optional).
7. Hard-Boiled Eggs (2, chopped) – A classic addition to traditional empanadas (optional).
8. Cumin (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and a hint of spice to the beef.
9. Paprika (1 teaspoon) – For color and subtle smoky flavor.
10. Chili Powder or Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon) – Optional, for a touch of heat.
11. Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning the filling.
12. Empanada Dough or Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade, about 10-12 discs) – You can make your own or buy pre-made empanada discs or pie crust.
13. Egg Wash (1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water) – For brushing on the empanadas before baking.

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Substitutions and Variations for Ground Beef Empanadas

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize the filling or dough:

1. Ground Chicken or Turkey – Swap the ground beef for a leaner protein like chicken or turkey.
2. Cheese – Add a handful of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) to the beef mixture for a cheesy empanada.
3. Vegetarian Version – Skip the meat and fill the empanadas with sautéed veggies, beans, or lentils.
4. Add Raisins – For a sweet contrast, add a handful of raisins to the filling, which is common in some traditional empanadas.
5. Store-Bought Dough – To save time, use store-bought empanada dough, puff pastry, or even pre-made pie crust.
6. Spicy Version – Add jalapeños or more chili powder to make spicy beef empanadas.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make these delicious Ground Beef Empanadas from scratch:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until fully browned.
• Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the chopped green olives and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• If you’re using store-bought dough, thaw it according to package instructions. If making homemade dough, roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness and use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out 4-5 inch circles.
• Lay the dough circles on a clean work surface.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

• Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
• Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and seal by crimping with a fork or by folding the edges over.
• Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled empanadas on the baking sheet and brush each one with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Empanadas

• Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

1. Make the Beef Filling – Sauté onions and garlic, brown the ground beef, and season with spices.
2. Prepare the Dough – Use store-bought or homemade dough to cut out circles.
3. Assemble the Empanadas – Fill each dough circle with beef filling, fold, and seal the edges.
4. Brush with Egg Wash – Brush the empanadas with egg wash for a golden finish.
5. Bake – Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Ground Beef Empanadas turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overfilling the Empanadas – Be careful not to overstuff the empanadas, as this can cause the dough to tear or leak.
2. Not Sealing the Edges Properly – Make sure to firmly seal the edges by crimping with a fork or folding the edges, or the filling may spill out during baking.
3. Skipping the Egg Wash – The egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful golden color, so don’t skip it!
4. Baking at Too High a Temperature – Stick to 375°F to avoid over-browning the outside before the inside is fully cooked.
5. Using Wet Filling – Make sure the filling isn’t too wet or runny, as this can make the dough soggy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving Ground Beef Empanadas, presentation can make them even more appealing:

1. Serve with Dipping Sauces – Pair the empanadas with salsa, chimichurri, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
2. Add a Side Salad – Serve the empanadas with a fresh green salad or a zesty cucumber-tomato salad to balance the richness.
3. Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for added flavor and color.
4. Serve with Rice and Beans – For a heartier meal, serve the empanadas with a side of rice and beans.

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How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

Ground Beef Empanadas can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion:

• As an Appetizer – Serve on a platter with dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce.
• As a Main Dish – Pair the empanadas with a side of rice, beans, and a salad for a complete meal.
• For Meal Prep – These empanadas are great for meal prepping and can be enjoyed throughout the week, reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Party Food – Empanadas are perfect for parties or gatherings—easy to serve and fun to eat!

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Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

Here are some creative ways to present your Ground Beef Empanadas:

1. Serve on a Wooden Board – For a rustic presentation, serve the empanadas on a large wooden cutting board with small bowls of dipping sauces.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs – Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve in a Basket – Line a basket with parchment paper and place the empanadas inside for a casual, family-style presentation.
4. Pair with Mini Bowls of Salsa – Set up individual bowls of salsa or chimichurri for guests to dip their empanadas in.

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Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Ground Beef Empanadas turn out perfectly every time:

1. Let the Filling Cool – Let the beef filling cool slightly before filling the dough. This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy or tearing.
2. Chill the Dough – If using homemade dough

, chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.

3. Freeze for Later – Empanadas freeze well. Simply freeze the unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Reheat in the Oven – To reheat leftovers, bake the empanadas in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to keep the dough crispy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
A: Yes! You can fry the empanadas in hot oil (about 350°F) for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Q: Can I freeze empanadas?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked empanadas and bake them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Q: Can I make the dough from scratch?
A: Yes, you can make empanada dough from scratch with flour, butter, salt, and water. There are many easy dough recipes available online!

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Conclusion

These Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory beef filling and flaky crust, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these empanadas are easy to make and endlessly customizable. So grab your ingredients, and enjoy making and eating these delicious hand-held pockets of flavor!

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