Empanadas are a beloved dish found in many cuisines, especially in Latin America and Spain. The flaky, golden pastry filled with savory meat, vegetables, or even sweet fillings offers a versatile and delicious meal option. If you're a fan of flavorful ground beef, you'll love these homemade ground beef empanadas! This recipe is beginner-friendly, delicious, and perfect for family dinners, parties, or a simple weeknight treat.

So, get ready to dive into this step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect ground beef empanadas. Be sure to read through the whole article for tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas to elevate your empanada game to the next level!

What are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Ground beef empanadas are pastry turnovers filled with a savory ground beef mixture. The dough can either be baked or fried, depending on personal preference, resulting in a crispy, flaky crust that perfectly complements the seasoned beef inside. While there are many variations depending on the country or region, this recipe keeps it simple with a classic ground beef filling, spiced just right for a delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanada Dough

For the dough, you'll need basic pantry ingredients that come together to create a flaky, tender crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
1 large egg
⅓ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, for extra flakiness)

The dough is key to any empanada's success, and by using cold butter and water, you ensure the pastry turns out nice and flaky. Some like to add a splash of vinegar for even more tenderness.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanada Filling

For the filling, we're keeping it classic with a ground beef mixture. Here's what you'll need:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup bell pepper (any color), diced
¼ cup tomato sauce
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

The filling is where you can get creative. Ground beef is the star, but the spices and optional ingredients like olives and boiled eggs add a complexity of flavors. Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your preferences!

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have certain ingredients or want to try a variation, there are plenty of ways to adjust this recipe:

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: Use beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef.
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your filling an extra kick.
Cheese Addition: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even crumbled queso fresco for a cheesier empanada.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to make the dough for those with gluten sensitivities.

These variations ensure that you can cater to different dietary preferences or flavor profiles without sacrificing taste!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, let's walk through the step-by-step instructions to create these delicious ground beef empanadas:

Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg, water, and vinegar (if using), then pour into the flour mixture.
- Mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork it.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- If using, fold in the chopped green olives and hard-boiled egg. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or prepare oil for frying if frying.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about ⅛ inch thick.
- Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the cooled ground beef filling onto the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake or Fry:
- Baking: Place the empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (180°C) and fry the empanadas until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

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

Making the Dough: Ensure your butter and water are cold for a flaky crust.
Sautéing the Vegetables: Don’t rush the process of sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic—they build flavor.
Cooking the Beef: Break up the beef as it cooks for even browning.
Simmering the Spices: Allow the spices to blend and cook into the beef mixture for a more robust flavor.
Filling and Sealing: Be sure to cool the filling before assembling to prevent soggy empanadas.
Baking or Frying: Decide between a healthier baked option or a crispy fried version depending on your preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing the Empanadas: Too much filling can cause them to burst open during baking or frying.
Not Sealing Properly: Make sure to crimp the edges well, either with a fork or by folding over the dough edge to avoid leaks.
Skipping the Egg Wash: This is key to getting that beautiful golden color on baked empanadas.
Using Warm Filling: Always cool your filling before adding it to the dough, or it can make the dough soggy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Ground beef empanadas are versatile and can be served as a main dish or appetizer. Pair them with a side salad or rice for a complete meal, or serve them as finger food at a party with a selection of dipping sauces.

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

Dipping Sauces: Serve with chimichurri, sour cream, or a spicy salsa to enhance the flavor.
Garnishes: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh finish.
Side Dishes: Accompany the empanadas with a light salad, guacamole, or black beans and rice.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

Serve on a Wooden Board: Arrange the empanadas on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add sprigs of cilantro or parsley on the side to brighten up the plate.
Use a Basket: For a casual gathering, serve the empanadas in a basket lined with a colorful napkin.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare both the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the empanadas just before cooking.
Freeze: Empanadas freeze well! Assemble and freeze before baking or frying. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheat Leftovers: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a crispy finish rather than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, if you're short on time, you can use pre-made pie crust or empanada dough found in the freezer section.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How long do empanadas last?
They will last for 2-3 days in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.

Can I fry them instead of baking?
Yes, you can fry the empanadas in oil for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Conclusion

Homemade ground beef empanadas are an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed by everyone. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or just making a fun meal for the family. By following this easy recipe and step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering empanadas that everyone will love. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start cooking your new favorite empanada recipe today!