Description
Delicious and savory beef empanadas featuring a seasoned ground beef filling with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and optional olives and cheese, encased in flaky empanada dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as appetizers or snacks that are easy to prepare and customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
Dough & Topping
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs or 1 sheet puff pastry (cut into 4–5 inch rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even cooking and a crumbly texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Simmer: Stir in tomato sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to thicken.
- Mix in Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in chopped green olives and shredded cheese to add extra flavor and texture. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling.
- Prepare Empanadas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place about 1 tablespoon of the cooled filling in the center of each dough round. Fold over the dough into a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Arrange the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give a glossy golden finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning. Enjoy as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Empanadas can also be air-fried at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for a crisp exterior with less oil.
- Alternatively, deep-fry empanadas until golden brown for a traditional texture.
- Freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for quick snacks anytime.
- Omit cheese to make the recipe dairy-free suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
