Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

Empanadas are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, from kids to adults. Whether you need a quick snack, a savory lunch option, or a party appetizer, these easy homemade ground beef empanadas will satisfy your cravings. Packed with flavor, these crispy pastry pockets can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Keep reading to discover how to create the perfect empanadas at home, and don’t forget to try some of the tips and variations included for a personalized twist!

What Are Empanadas?

Empanadas are a type of pastry filled with various ingredients, typically a savory filling like meat, cheese, or vegetables. The name "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means "to wrap in bread." Originating from Spain, empanadas have spread across Latin America and other parts of the world, becoming a popular dish in many countries.

In this recipe, we’ll focus on the classic ground beef empanada, a traditional filling that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. With a crisp outer dough and a juicy, seasoned meat filling, these empanadas are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Empanadas

To make delicious ground beef empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Empanada Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon vinegar

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup green olives (chopped, optional)
• 1 hard-boiled egg (chopped, optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or salsa for serving

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about empanadas is their versatility. You can easily substitute ingredients or add variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

1. Meat Substitutes: Swap out ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or pork. You can even use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian-friendly version.
2. Vegetarian Fillings: If you prefer a meat-free option, try using black beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
3. Cheese Variations: Add some shredded cheese to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack work well with the beef filling.
4. Spice Level: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
5. Sweet Empanadas: For a sweet twist, replace the savory filling with fruits like apples, peaches, or strawberries, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making homemade empanadas might seem intimidating, but by following these simple steps, you’ll have delicious, homemade empanadas ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, water, and vinegar together. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Filling

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season the meat with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste (or sauce) and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped olives and hard-boiled egg if using. Set the filling aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (about 4-6 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough.
3. Place a spoonful of the ground beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make sealing the empanadas difficult.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal.
5. Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling the Empanadas: It’s tempting to stuff your empanadas with lots of filling, but overfilling can cause the dough to tear or the filling to leak out during baking. Stick to about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
2. Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the refrigeration step for the dough will make it difficult to handle and can result in a less flaky crust. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
3. Underseasoning the Filling: Don’t forget to taste your ground beef mixture and adjust the seasoning before filling your empanadas. Underseasoned filling will make the empanadas taste bland.
4. Not Using Egg Wash: Brushing the empanadas with egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish. Skipping this step will result in dull-looking empanadas.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving your ground beef empanadas, there are many ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are a few tips to make your dish look and taste even better:

How to Serve Ground Beef Empanadas

• Serve your empanadas hot and fresh from the oven for the best taste. They pair well with a variety of sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving.
• Ground beef empanadas make a great party snack or appetizer, but they can also be served as a main course alongside a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Empanadas

• Arrange the empanadas on a large serving platter with small bowls of dipping sauces around the edges for a party-friendly presentation.
• Garnish the empanadas with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of crumbled cheese for a colorful finish.
• For a more rustic look, serve the empanadas in a basket lined with a kitchen towel or parchment paper, allowing guests to grab one easily.

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Simply refrigerate them separately, and when you're ready to make the empanadas, just roll out the dough, fill, and bake.
2. Freezing Empanadas: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to three months. Lay them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Using Store-Bought Dough: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute for homemade dough. This will speed up the process while still giving you delicious results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
A: Yes! For a crispy, golden exterior, you can fry empanadas in vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry each empanada for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Q: How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking?
A: Make sure not to overfill the empanadas and seal the edges tightly with a fork or by crimping the dough. You can also brush a little water or egg wash along the edges before sealing for extra security.

Q: Can I make empanadas gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.

Conclusion

Empanadas are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to fit any occasion. This easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe provides the perfect balance of a flaky crust and savory filling, making it a hit with everyone who tries it. Whether you're hosting a party, prepping for a meal, or looking for a fun cooking project, these empanadas are sure to deliver. Try out the variations and tips mentioned above, and enjoy creating your own delicious versions of this classic dish! Happy cooking!

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