Description
Beef Empanadas are savory pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. These handheld pies are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a satisfying main dish served with a dipping sauce or salad.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Dough and Assembly
- 1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Season Filling: Mix in the tomato sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Filling: Stir in the chopped green olives and fresh parsley, then remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling into the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly together with a fork to seal completely.
- Apply Egg Wash: Arrange the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust during baking.
- Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, optionally accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can fry the empanadas instead of baking by cooking them in oil at 350°F until golden brown for a crispier texture.
- To freeze, assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
