The Best Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe for Your Family

Crispy, golden ground beef empanadas have become my secret weapon for weeknight dinner surprises.

Savory pockets of flaky pastry cradle seasoned meat that bursts with incredible flavor.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through textures and spices.

My abuela taught me this recipe decades ago in her tiny mexican kitchen.

Tender dough wraps around rich, spiced beef in a perfect handheld package.

Fresh ingredients and simple techniques make these empanadas irresistibly delicious.

Let’s unlock the magic of this classic comfort food together!

Ground Beef Empanada Recipe Keeps It Fun And Handheld

Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, these ground beef empanadas deliver delicious comfort food in under an hour.

Beginner-Friendly Cooking: No advanced culinary skills required – even novice cooks can successfully create these handheld pastries with simple step-by-step instructions.

Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping meats, adding different spices, or creating vegetarian versions to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Crowd-Pleasing Portable Meal: Compact, portable empanadas work wonderfully for lunch boxes, picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings where convenient handheld food is appreciated.

What’s Inside Ground Beef Empanadas

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that creates the hearty filling for empanadas, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for maximum flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build deep savory foundation, fresh varieties provide most robust taste.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Warm spice blend that gives traditional Latin American profile, ground spices ensure even distribution.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight meat's natural taste.
• Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated sweet-tangy base that helps bind ingredients and adds rich color.

• Empanada Dough: Traditional pastry wrapper that holds filling, can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Egg Wash: Creates golden brown, glossy exterior when brushed on pastry before baking.

Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to dance and release their fragrant oils until they become translucent and softened.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook the meat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, ensuring no pink remains.

Step 3: Enhance with Robust Seasonings

• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir in the tomato paste and spices, mixing thoroughly.

Let the mixture simmer and develop deep, concentrated flavors for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Empanada Dough

Roll out your prepared dough on a lightly floured surface.

Use a round cookie cutter or glass to create perfect circular dough rounds.

Step 5: Fill and Shape Empanadas

Place a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef mixture in the center of each dough circle.

Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges together.

Step 6: Crimp and Seal

Use a fork to firmly press and seal the edges of each empanada, creating a beautiful crimped border that prevents filling from escaping during baking.

Step 7: Apply Golden Finish

Gently brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg, which will create a gorgeous golden sheen when baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Arrange empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges.

Ground Beef Empanadas – Dough And Filling Tips

• Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to the meat mixture for richer, more complex taste.
• Press fork edges firmly and evenly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different preferences.
• Prepare uncooked empanadas, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals.
• Let dough rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling to ensure easier handling and smoother edges.

How to Keep and Warm Up Ground Beef Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool them completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain their original crunch.
• Warm empanadas at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and restore their crispy exterior.

Ground Beef Empanada Sides

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the rich beef, balancing the empanada's hearty flavors with its bright acidity.
• Create a Fresh Chimichurri Side: Prepare a tangy herb sauce with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil to complement the savory ground beef filling and add a vibrant Argentine touch.
• Match with Spicy Red Sangria: Blend red wine, chopped fruits, and a splash of brandy to create a refreshing drink that enhances the empanada's robust spices and provides a cooling contrast.
• Serve with Cucumber Mint Salad: Craft a light, cool salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, and a light vinaigrette to provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, meaty empanadas.

Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas with Filling Ideas

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or diced mushrooms for a plant-based alternative packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for the dough, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these savory pastries.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, and swap ground beef for shredded chicken to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired filling.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional dough with almond flour or cauliflower-based wrapping, using lean ground turkey or beef for a keto-friendly version.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for empanadas?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness. Leaner meats can make the filling dry, while this ratio ensures a rich, moist filling.

• Can I make the empanada filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to develop and makes assembly faster when you’re ready to bake.

• Is it necessary to use a specific type of dough for empanadas?

While traditional recipes use specific dough, you can use pre-made pie crust or empanada discs from grocery stores. Homemade dough provides the best texture and flavor, but store-bought options work well for quick preparation.

• How do I prevent my empanadas from leaking during baking?

Ensure edges are firmly sealed by crimping with a fork and avoid overfilling. Leave a small border around the edges when adding filling, which helps create a tight seal and prevents leaks during baking.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Golden, flaky pastry wraps succulent ground beef in this classic Latin American empanada, promising a delightful culinary journey. Crisp edges and rich filling make these handheld treats irresistible for anyone craving comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef

Other Filling Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Components:

• 1 empanada dough
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until the meat turns completely brown and loses its raw appearance.
3. Incorporate tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly and allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Let the beef filling simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing excess moisture to evaporate and creating a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
5. While the filling cools, roll out prepared dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Use a circular cutter or small plate to create uniform dough rounds for consistent empanada size.
7. Place a measured spoonful of cooled beef mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving enough border for sealing.
8. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing edges together with fingertips.
9. Crimp the edges using a fork to create a decorative seal and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
10. Brush the empanadas with beaten egg, which will give them a golden, glossy appearance when baked.
11. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
12. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning.
13. Remove from oven when empanadas are golden brown and crisp, allowing them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Customize the spice blend by experimenting with cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a personalized flavor profile.
• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg