Zesty Beef Empanadas Recipe: A Sizzling Family Favorite

Crafting delectable beef empanadas brings pure culinary joy to any gathering.

Pastry-wrapped parcels burst with savory goodness that promises delightful flavor explosions.

Crispy golden exteriors hide tender, spiced meat waiting to surprise you.

Latin American cuisine shines through these handheld delights, delivering comfort and excitement in every bite.

Bold spices and flaky crusts create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Complex yet approachable, these empanadas invite you to explore a world of delicious possibilities.

Savor each morsel and let your taste buds dance with excitement.

Storing Beef Empanadas for Later

• Store leftover beef empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
• Cook frozen or refrigerated empanadas at 350F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway. Ensures a crispy exterior and hot interior without extra oil.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in Beef Empanadas?

The key spices are cumin, paprika, and chili powder, which provide a rich and warm flavor profile to the beef filling.

• Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and assemble the empanadas in advance, then refrigerate them before baking or frying. This makes them great for meal prep or entertaining.

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 or 85/15) works best, as it adds flavor and helps keep the filling moist and delicious.

What Makes Beef Empanadas So Satisfying

• Customize with Flair: Personalize these beef empanadas by adding your favorite spices or swapping ingredients to match your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or game day parties where everyone craves a delicious handheld snack.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between baking or frying based on your health goals or kitchen equipment, making this recipe adaptable for different cooking styles.
• Packed with Flavor: Combines rich beef, sweet raisins, briny olives, and warm spices creating a complex taste profile that will excite your taste buds with every bite.

Everything Needed for Homemade Beef Empanadas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the empanadas.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic aromatics add depth and richness to the beef filling.
• Olives, Raisins: Provide a delightful sweet and salty contrast to the savory meat.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: A blend of warm spices that gives the filling a complex and authentic Latin American flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the filling.

• Beef Broth: Helps to moisten and bind the filling, creating a rich and cohesive mixture.

• Empanada Dough Disc: The essential wrapper that holds the flavorful beef filling.
• Beaten Egg: Used for brushing the empanadas to create a golden, glossy exterior when baking.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the empanadas to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.

Steps for Baking Savory Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Brown the Beef

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

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Up the Filling

• Olives
• Raisins (optional)
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and intensify the flavor.

Step 4: Create a Savory Sauce

Pour beef broth into the pan and simmer for 3-4 minutes. The liquid will reduce and create a rich, thick filling.

Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare for Cooking

Choose your cooking method:

For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)

For frying: Ready a deep frying pan with oil

Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of the cooled beef mixture in the center of each empanada dough disc.

Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Step 7: Seal the Edges

Crimp the edges of the empanada with a fork to create a tight seal.

This prevents the filling from leaking during cooking.

Step 8: Baking Method

Brush empanadas with beaten egg.

Arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Frying Method

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Carefully place empanadas in the hot oil.

Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become crispy and golden.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot empanadas immediately.

Serve with fresh salsa or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Golden and Juicy Empanadas

• Keep ground beef juicy by not overcooking and draining excess fat carefully to maintain rich flavor.
• Adjust cumin, paprika, and chili powder proportions to suit your taste preference without overwhelming the filling.
• Press empanada edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during cooking and ensure a perfect crispy seal.
• Choose baking or frying based on your health preferences – baking offers less oil while frying provides extra crispiness.
• Prepare filling and assembled empanadas in advance, then refrigerate or freeze for convenient meal preparation later.

Creative Empanada Fillings to Try

• Chicken Empanadas: Replace ground beef with shredded or ground chicken for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Empanadas: Swap beef with seasoned black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based alternative that keeps the traditional flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Empanada Shells: Use almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough to create empanadas suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, keeping the original filling recipe intact.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Empanadas: Create empanada shells using riced cauliflower and egg as a binder, filled with the original spiced meat mixture for a keto-friendly version.

Pairings for Beef Empanadas

• Blend fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes for a tangy, herbal accompaniment that cuts through the rich beef empanadas.
• Choose a bold, full-bodied red wine with dark fruit notes and subtle spice that matches the empanadas' robust flavor profile and enhances the meat's depth.
• Mix thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and fresh cilantro with a light lime and olive oil dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory empanadas.

Beef Empanadas Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy beef empanadas deliver a mouthwatering journey through Latin American culinary traditions. Crispy pastry pockets packed with seasoned ground beef offer a perfect balance of savory flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup beef broth

Dough and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 package empanada dough discs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pan over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains.
2. Incorporate chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Blend in olives, raisins, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, allowing spices to meld for 2 minutes.
4. Pour beef broth into the mixture, simmering until liquid reduces and filling thickens, then remove from heat and cool completely.
5. Configure oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking or prepare oil for deep-frying.
6. Position beef mixture centrally on each empanada dough disc, leaving adequate border for sealing.
7. Carefully fold dough over filling, creating a crescent shape, and crimp edges using fork tines to secure.
8. For baking: Coat empanadas with beaten egg wash and arrange on lined baking sheet, then bake 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp.
9. For frying: Submerge empanadas in hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden and crispy.
10. Transfer to serving plate and accompany with fresh salsa or preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Meat Selection: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for best flavor and juiciness without excessive greasiness.
• Spice Customization: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and paprika according to personal heat tolerance.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free empanada dough or make homemade dough with alternative flour blends like almond or rice flour.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for a protein-packed vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg