This Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada recipe features a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices wrapped in a flaky pastry. These empanadas are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a quick dinner, and they can be baked or fried.
Author:Katy
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:12 empanadas
Category:Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
Method:Baking or Frying
Cuisine:Latin American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
1 package empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
Cook the ground beef filling: In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the beef: Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and chopped olives (if using). Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
Assemble the empanadas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out empanada dough discs on a flat surface. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture in the center of each disc. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
Brush with egg wash: Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the top of each empanada to give them a golden, crispy finish.
Bake or fry: For baked empanadas, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. For fried empanadas, heat oil in a deep pan and fry until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri.
Notes
Customize the filling by adding cheese or using other vegetables like corn or potatoes.
You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. Just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.