These Easy Beef Empanadas are tasty hand pies filled with seasoned beef and veggies, all wrapped in a golden crust. They make a great snack or meal that’s fun to eat!
Honestly, who can resist a warm empanada? When I make these, I often lose track of how many I’ve eaten—it’s just too easy to grab another! 😄
What I love most is how simple they are to prepare. I can whip up a batch, bake them, and enjoy them fresh out of the oven without any fuss. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the filling, adding protein and flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. Vegetarian alternatives like lentils or black beans work well too!
Onion: A medium onion is key for flavor. White or yellow onions are great choices. If you’re not a fan, shallots can provide a milder flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a robust taste. If you’re out, garlic powder can be a substitute, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Bell Pepper: While it’s optional, it adds color and sweetness. Feel free to skip it or substitute with diced jalapeño for a kick!
Olives: They give a nice briny flavor but can be omitted if you prefer. You could also use capers for a similar salty taste.
Spices: Cumin and paprika add depth. You can use taco seasoning if you have it on hand for a convenient alternative.
Empanada Dough: Store-bought is easy and saves time. If you want to make your own, you can use pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute.
How Do I Properly Seal Empanadas?
Sealing the edges is essential to keep the filling inside. Here’s how to get it right:
- Place the filling in the center, but avoid overstuffing.
- Fold the dough to form a half-moon shape, making sure it’s well-sealed. Pinch the edges first.
- For a tight seal, use a fork to crimp and press down along the edges.
- Brush the edges with a little beaten egg for extra stickiness, especially when baking.
If you’re having trouble, just remember: practice makes perfect! The more you make them, the better you’ll become at sealing.
How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- ½ cup olives, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Dough:
- 1 package of empanada dough discs (store-bought)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
For Frying (if desired):
- Cooking oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to cook if baking, or 10-15 minutes if frying. Overall, you can have delicious beef empanadas ready in just about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if you chose to use it), and sauté until they soften, which takes around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, stirring for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
2. Cook the Beef:
Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, stir in the chopped olives (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
3. Fill the Empanadas:
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want to fry them, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Now, take one empanada dough disc and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges and make sure they are sealed well.
4. Cooking the Empanadas:
For baking, place the filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. For frying, carefully drop the empanadas into the hot oil, cooking them in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your empanadas are cooked, serve them warm with some guacamole or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your yummy beef empanadas!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter version of empanadas. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasonings as needed, since these meats might be milder in flavor compared to beef. You may also want to add a splash of broth or some additional spices to enhance the taste.
How to Make Empanadas Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the filling and fill the empanadas a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator. If you’d like, you can also freeze the filled empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store them in a freezer bag for up to a month. Just bake or fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Empanadas?
Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for a quick warm-up. If reheating in the oven, adding a bit of moisture with a wet paper towel can help keep them from drying out.
Can I Use Homemade Empanada Dough?
Yes, homemade dough is a fantastic option! Just make sure it’s rolled out to about 1/8-inch thick for the best cooking results. You’ll want to ensure it’s well-chilled before rolling to make it easier to work with. Keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly with different doughs!
