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