Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish, homemade ground beef empanadas are the perfect choice. These savory, hand-held pastries filled with flavorful ground beef are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Empanadas are versatile, satisfying, and can be customized to suit your tastes, making them a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. Whether you're preparing them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, follow this simple guide to learn how to make homemade ground beef empanadas. Keep reading to discover all the details and tips for making these savory pastries a favorite in your kitchen!

What are Ground Beef Empanadas?

Empanadas are pastry turnovers filled with various savory or sweet ingredients. Originating from Spain and Portugal, they have spread across Latin America, each country and region putting its unique twist on the recipe. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish word empanar, which means "to wrap in bread." Ground beef empanadas, in particular, are one of the most popular variations, featuring a savory filling made of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and sometimes additional vegetables or spices. The beef filling is then wrapped in dough and baked or fried to golden perfection.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect ground beef empanadas!

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

For the dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into cubes)
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)

For the ground beef filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a deeper flavor)
• ¼ cup green olives (chopped)
• ¼ cup raisins (optional, for a sweet touch)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas (Optional Add-ons)

• ½ cup bell peppers (finely chopped)
• 1 small potato (peeled, boiled, and diced)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for added heat)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (for a gooey filling)

Adding optional ingredients like diced potatoes, cheese, or bell peppers will provide a heartier, richer empanada filling, while ingredients like raisins or green olives will lend a burst of contrasting flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about empanadas is their versatility. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or are looking for ways to tweak the recipe, here are some possible substitutions and variations:

• Dough: If you're short on time, you can use pre-made pie crust or puff pastry as an alternative to homemade empanada dough. While it won’t give the exact same texture, it’s a great shortcut.
• Ground beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian version.
• Olives and raisins: Not everyone enjoys the combination of sweet and salty, so feel free to omit the olives and raisins, or replace them with ingredients like chopped tomatoes, corn, or spinach.
• Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, try adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or queso fresco to the beef filling for an extra gooey, creamy surprise.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making empanadas from scratch may seem intimidating, but by breaking it down into steps, you’ll see it’s easier than you think! Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, beat the egg, water, and vinegar together, then pour it into the flour mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together. Knead lightly until a smooth dough forms, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Add the chopped olives, raisins (if using), and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Stir everything together and let the filling cool.
3. Roll out the dough: Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
4. Assemble the empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them to avoid the dough tearing. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to press the edges together, then crimp them with a fork to seal.
5. Brush and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.

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

Cooking ground beef empanadas involves two main methods: baking and frying. Each method has its own benefits, and your choice will depend on personal preference.

• Baking: As described above, baking empanadas is a healthier option and ensures an even cook with a crispy outer crust. Simply brush them with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Frying: For a richer, more indulgent empanada, frying is the way to go. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, turning them occasionally until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling the empanadas: It can be tempting to pack as much filling as possible into your empanadas, but overfilling them can lead to the dough tearing or the empanadas bursting open during cooking.
2. Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash gives your empanadas a beautiful, golden color and a slight crispiness. Don’t skip this step!
3. Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough helps it maintain its structure and makes it easier to work with. Skipping this step may result in dough that's too soft and hard to shape.
4. Not sealing properly: Make sure to press and crimp the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking or frying.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving empanadas, presentation can take this simple dish to the next level. Here are a few ideas to impress your guests:

• Serve with dipping sauces: Offer a variety of sauces on the side, such as chimichurri, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the empanadas before serving for a pop of color.
• Create an empanada platter: Arrange different types of empanadas (beef, chicken, vegetable) on a large platter for a more festive presentation.
• Add a side salad: Serve the empanadas alongside a fresh, crisp salad for a balanced meal.

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

Ground beef empanadas can be served hot out of the oven or at room temperature, making them an excellent option for parties, picnics, or casual family dinners. Pair them with sides like rice, beans, or a light salad to create a complete meal. They’re also great as an appetizer or snack, especially when served with a variety of dipping sauces.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Rustic Style: For a cozy, rustic look, serve the empanadas on a wooden board or in a basket lined with parchment paper.
• Elegant Look: Place the empanadas on a white platter and garnish with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and small ramekins of dipping sauces.
• Family Style: Arrange the empanadas in a spiral pattern on a large plate or serving tray, making it easy for everyone to grab one.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: The dough and filling can be made ahead of time. Simply refrigerate the dough and filling separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
• Freezing: Empanadas freeze beautifully! Assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: To reheat empanadas, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help them regain their crispy texture without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?
A: Yes, pre-made pie dough or puff pastry can be used as a shortcut, though homemade dough provides the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze leftover empanadas?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze both cooked and uncooked empanadas. If freezing cooked empanadas, just reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.

Q: How long will the empanadas stay fresh?
A: Empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Conclusion

Ground beef empanadas are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main meal. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some substitutions and variations, this recipe will give you mouth-watering results every time. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy making these irresistible ground beef empanadas from scratch!

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