Quick & Cozy Ground Beef Empanada Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting delectable ground beef empanadas brings a burst of flavor to your culinary adventure.

Flaky pastry embraces savory meat in a handheld delight that sparks joy at every bite.

Argentinian cuisine offers this perfect pocket of deliciousness for casual gatherings.

Crisp edges and rich filling create a mouthwatering experience that connects comfort with excitement.

Home kitchens can easily master these golden, irresistible pastries without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these empanadas accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll savor each bite of these tender, seasoned parcels that promise to become a new favorite.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and transform basic ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Store Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the refrigerator's main compartment to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Arrange unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Seal tightly and store for up to 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Allow baked empanadas to cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for 1-2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and reheat in oven at 350F for crispy texture.

FAQs

• What are empanadas?

Empanadas are traditional Latin American pastries filled with savory ingredients like meat, cheese, or vegetables, then baked or fried until golden and crispy.

• Can I freeze empanadas before baking?

Yes, you can prepare empanadas and freeze them uncooked. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the most flavor. Leaner meats can become dry, while fattier meats provide more juiciness and taste.

Why Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Is So Good

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish that hugs your taste buds with rich, creamy flavors.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious dinner in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, tender pasta shells combined with seasoned ground beef, creating a crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone to the table.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Easily adaptable for different preferences, this one-pan meal works great for casual dinners, potlucks, or when you need a reliable recipe that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides the main flavor and substance of the empanada.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth and aromatic quality to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its distinctive, pungent taste.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces a sweet and slightly crisp texture to the filling.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, slightly tangy base for the beef mixture.
• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Spices that bring warmth, smokiness, and a hint of heat to the filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Empanada Dough: A soft, pliable wrapper that holds the savory beef filling.
• Egg: Used as a wash to create a golden, glossy exterior when baked.

Cooking Instructions for Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for the golden, crispy empanadas you’re about to create.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 4: Create the Flavorful Filling

• Tomato sauce
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder (optional)
• Diced bell pepper

Cook everything together until well combined.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Prepare the Empanada Dough

Roll out the empanada dough and cut it into perfect circles that will cradle your savory beef filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas

Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges tightly to seal in all the delicious filling.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash

Brush each empanada with egg wash to ensure a beautiful golden-brown finish when baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become irresistibly crispy.

Pro Tips for Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative.
• Enhance flavor by adding diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat and complexity.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating the baking sheet before placing empanadas, ensuring a crispy crust.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for up to one month, storing them in an airtight container for quick future meals.
• Experiment with different fillings like shredded chicken, black beans, or vegetarian options to keep the recipe versatile and exciting.

Flavor Twists for Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

• Spicy Jalapeño Beef Empanadas: Add diced jalapeños and extra chili powder to the beef mixture for a hot kick.
• Cheese-Stuffed Beef Empanadas: Mix shredded cheddar or queso fresco into the beef filling for a melty surprise.
• Mediterranean-Style Empanadas: Replace ground beef with lamb, add oregano, mint, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Empanadas: Swap ground beef with black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers for a meat-free version.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada

Latin Fiesta Platter: Arrange empanadas on a colorful wooden board with vibrant salsa, zesty chimichurri sauce, and fresh lime wedges. Garnish with cilantro sprigs for a festive presentation that celebrates authentic South American flavors.

Picnic Perfect Combo: Pack empanadas in a portable container with a side of crisp mixed green salad and tangy yogurt dip. Wrap individually in parchment paper for easy outdoor dining and a delightful handheld meal.

Movie Night Munchies: Slice empanadas into bite-sized pieces as shareable appetizers. Serve with three dipping sauces – spicy sriracha mayo, cool sour cream, and smoky chipotle sauce – for a crowd-pleasing snack during movie marathons.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory ground beef empanadas bring Argentine street flavor to home kitchens. Home cooks can quickly craft these delicious handheld pastries with simple ingredients and enjoy a taste of South American comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 package empanada dough (or homemade dough)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup (75 g) diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp (5 g) cumin
• 1 tsp (5 g) paprika
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) chili powder (optional)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for crispy empanadas.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles for even cooking.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, and optional chili powder to the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
5. Add diced bell peppers and continue cooking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Season the filling with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a robust, well-balanced flavor profile.
7. Roll out the empanada dough and cut into uniform circular shapes using a precise cutting technique.
8. Carefully place a measured spoonful of the prepared beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
9. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and meticulously crimp the edges to create a tight seal.
10. Generously brush the exterior of each empanada with egg wash to promote a golden, glossy finish.
11. Arrange the prepared empanadas on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, rotating midway to achieve consistent browning and a perfectly crisp exterior.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
• Make dough ahead and refrigerate to save time during meal preparation.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version, ensuring similar seasoning intensity.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for quick future meals by storing in airtight container with parchment paper between layers.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg