Tasty Ground Beef Empanada Recipe: Homemade Magic in Minutes

Crispy, golden empanadas packed with savory ground beef have been a crowd-pleaser in Latin American cuisine.

These delectable parcels of homemade ground beef empanada recipe goodness promise a burst of flavor in every bite.

Flaky pastry envelops seasoned meat, creating a perfect handheld meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

The combination of spices and tender beef makes these empanadas irresistible for any gathering or casual dinner.

Preparing these delightful pastries is easier than you might expect, with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Each empanada delivers a delicious punch of traditional flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of South American kitchens.

Dive into this recipe and become the star of your next meal with these mouthwatering ground beef empanadas.

Best Sides for Beef Empanadas

• Pair Sizzling Salsa Verde: Tangy green salsa cuts through the rich, meaty empanada flavor, adding bright acidity and herbal notes that refresh the palate.
• Chill Cerveza Companions: Crisp Mexican lager like Modelo or Corona perfectly balances the empanada's spicy and savory profile, creating a classic Latin food and drink harmony.
• Create Complementary Chimichurri: Zesty Argentinian herb sauce with parsley, garlic, and olive oil provides a vibrant, zingy counterpoint to the hearty beef filling, enhancing every delicious bite.
• Match Malbec Magic: Medium-bodied Argentine red wine with subtle spice and robust character complements the empanada's deep, meaty flavors, elevating the entire dining experience.

Empanada Filling Ideas

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with hearty black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the classic empanada flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free empanada disks or create homemade dough with alternative flour like almond or cassava flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional dough for lettuce wraps or create a cauliflower-based dough to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious filling intact.
• Baked Health Version: Instead of deep-frying, brush empanadas with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden, reducing overall oil content and creating a lighter meal option.

FAQs

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content. This ensures the meat stays juicy but doesn’t make the filling too greasy.

• Can I bake these empanadas instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with egg wash for better color and crispiness. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.

• Do I need special equipment to make empanadas?

No special equipment needed. A large skillet, fork for crimping, and a deep pan for frying are sufficient. Goya empanada disks make the process very simple and convenient.

• How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking while cooking?

Ensure edges are tightly sealed by pressing with a fork and not overfilling. Leave about 1/2 inch of space around the edges before crimping to create a secure seal.

Why These Beef Empanadas Are a Must

• Savor Ground Beef Empanadas
• This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home chefs wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Easily swap ingredients like using different cheese types, adding spicy peppers, or incorporating unique seasonings to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• These crispy, golden empanadas are guaranteed to impress family and friends, serving as an excellent appetizer, party snack, or casual dinner option that everyone will love.
• With just a few standard pantry staples and simple steps, you can transform basic ground beef into a mouthwatering Latin-inspired dish that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.

Ground Beef Empanada Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the delicious core of the empanada filling.
• Goya Empanada Disks: Pre-made pastry dough that provides a perfect wrapper for the savory filling.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: These vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the beef mixture.

• Cheese: Adds a creamy and rich flavor to the empanada filling.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: These spices create a warm, complex flavor profile that enhances the ground beef.

• Oil: Provides the medium for frying the empanadas to golden, crispy perfection.
• Parchment Paper: Helps with the assembly and prevents sticking during preparation.
• Paper Towels: Useful for draining excess oil after frying.

How to Make These Savory Empanadas

Step 1: Preparing Savory Filling

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Green bell pepper
• Red bell pepper

Cook until beef is fully browned and vegetables become tender.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Enhancing Flavor Profile

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly and cook for additional 2 minutes, allowing spices to blend completely.

Remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Creating Empanada Pockets

Place empanada disk on clean surface.

Scoop beef filling onto disk center.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over filling.

Fold disk in half, pressing edges firmly to seal.

Crimp edges with fork for traditional empanada appearance.

Repeat process with remaining disks.

Step 4: Achieving Golden Crispiness

Heat oil in deep skillet until temperature reaches 350°F.

Carefully place 2 empanadas into hot oil.

Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Serving Delightful Treats

Arrange freshly fried empanadas on serving platter.

Accompany with salsa, guacamole, or crisp salad for complete culinary experience.

Enjoy immediately while warm and crispy.

Empanada Cooking Tips That Help

• Remove any extra grease from the skillet after browning beef to prevent soggy, oily empanadas and ensure a crisp, clean-tasting filling.
• Select lean ground beef with 80/20 ratio for best flavor and texture, ensuring the filling stays moist without becoming greasy.
• Press empanada edges firmly with a fork, creating a tight seal that prevents filling from leaking during frying and maintains a beautiful, traditional appearance.
• Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature while frying to achieve golden-brown, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil or becoming soggy.
• Try different cheese varieties like queso fresco, cheddar, or monterey jack to add unique flavor profiles and create your signature empanada style.

Reheating and Saving Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor and texture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunchiness.
• Set air fryer to 350°F. Warm empanadas for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even heating and restore original crispy texture.

Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Ground Beef Empanadas bring Latin American street food charm right to your kitchen, blending rich flavors and flaky pastry. Crisp golden edges and spiced meat filling promise a delicious journey you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Dough:

• 1 pack Goya empanada dough (10 pieces)

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1/2 red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) yellow onion
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the savory filling by sautéing ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it turns rich brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the meat, cooking until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
3. Drain any accumulated excess fat from the skillet to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
4. Incorporate cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly throughout the meat mixture.
5. Allow the seasoned filling to simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly to prevent burning the empanada dough.
7. Position an empanada disk on a clean work surface, carefully placing a generous spoonful of meat mixture in the center.
8. Sprinkle cheese over the filling, ensuring even distribution for balanced taste.
9. Fold the disk precisely in half, creating a half-moon shape, and seal edges by pressing firmly with fingertips.
10. Crimp the sealed edges using a fork to create a decorative and secure closure.
11. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
12. Gently lower 2 empanadas at a time into the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes per side until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
13. Transfer fried empanadas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
14. Serve immediately with complementary condiments like salsa or guacamole for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Drain excess fat thoroughly from the beef to prevent greasy empanadas and ensure a crisp, light texture.
• Use cold filling to prevent disk tearing and ensure perfect sealing when folding empanadas.
• brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown for reduced oil content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg