Easy Homemade Ground Beef Empanada Recipe (2024)

KrystelApril 22, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Total time25 minutes

Servings10

Introduction to Homemade Empanadas

Hey there! I'm diving into the heartwarming world of homemade empanadas today, and I couldn't be more excited to share this journey with you. These little pockets of joy, hailing all the way from Latin America, have always held a special place at my dinner table, turning any meal into a colorful fiesta. But what's truly amazing is making them from scratch in your own kitchen! We often think of empanadas as this exotic, complex dish that’s best left to the professionals or picked up from your local Latin market. Yet, here I am, proving that crafting a delicious beef empanada at home isn't just rewarding—it's absolutely doable and utterly fun!

From selecting the flakiest pastry dough to seasoning the ground beef with just the right amount of chili powder and cumin, every step in making these empanadas brings its own joy and sense of accomplishment. It’s the sweetest blend of cooking, culture, and creativity—all wrapped up in a golden-brown crust. Whether you’re aiming for that traditional empanada dough experience or experimenting with a puff pastry twist, the results are always a heartwarming, mouthwatering testament to your culinary adventures. Plus, the flexibility to sprinkle in your personal favorite fillings adds that unique touch to each half-moon shape, making your homemade empanadas a signature dish to remember.

Key Takeaways:

• Heartwarming Homemade: Crafting empanadas at home is a rewarding journey into Latin American cuisine.
• Culinary Creativity: Flexibility with dough and fillings makes each empanada a unique creation.
• Golden-Brown Delight: Achieving that perfect crust means every bite is filled with flaky, delicious joy.

Essential Ingredients List

• 1 lb lean ground beef: For a healthier choice, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey if you prefer.
• 10 Goya Empanada dough pieces: Easily found in most supermarkets, but if you're up for it, making your own empanada dough brings a personal touch.
• ½ green bell pepper and ½ red bell pepper: Adds color and a sweet flavor. Can be adjusted based on personal preference.
• ¼ cup yellow onion: Essential for that savory background flavor.
• A mix of spices: 1 teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder, with a dash of black pepper and kosher salt, to bring out the rich flavors.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Because garlic makes everything better.
• Olive oil: For cooking the filling, giving it that golden brown perfection.
• Enough oil for frying: Or if you prefer a lighter version, baking or using an air fryer are great options too!

Preparing the Beef Filling

Hey there! Today, I’m sharing with you the heart of our delicious beef empanadas recipe: preparing the beef filling. It’s simpler than you might think. First, grab your large skillet and set it on the stove over medium heat. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil to warm up, then add in the lean ground beef, chopping it with your wooden spoon as it cooks. Now, this is when the magic starts. Toss in the chopped bell pepper and a scoop of tomato paste for that rich umami boost. The spices come next. A sprinkle of chili powder and black pepper — they're what turn simple ground meat into a filling so flavorful, you might be tempted to eat it right out of the pan!

Once your beef mixture is thoroughly cooked, and those smells have you dancing around the kitchen, take a moment to drain off the excess fat. This little step makes all the difference, guaranteeing your empanadas have that perfect, delicious beef filling without being oily. Trust me, it’s these little tips that elevate your cooking game from good to great. Now, let’s move on to wrapping all this goodness in our pastry dough, shall we?

Assembling the Empanadas

Ever dabbled in the art of empanada making? It's simpler than you might think and oh-so rewarding. Let's dive into the heart of assembling these delightful packets. Picture this: you’ve got your savory beef mixture ready, and it’s just begging to be encased in a flaky crust. Here’s how you’ll bring them together. Grab a spoonful of that delicious beef filling - think juicy ground meat, hints of chili powder, and the richness of tomato paste, all coming together.

Now, take one piece of pastry dough, lovingly rolled out on a lightly floured work surface. Spoon the beef mixture onto the center, leaving ample edge for sealing. This is where the magic happens. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. And, with a fork, press along the edges. This isn’t just for looks; that fork’s pressing seals the deal, quite literally, ensuring none of that delicious filling escapes during cooking.

Whether you’re a fan of deep frying to golden-brown perfection or baking for that light, airy finish, it’s the sealing that makes all the difference. So, grab that fork and let’s get sealing. Your perfect empanadas are just a few steps away!

Cooking Methods: Frying vs Baking

Oh, where to begin when it comes to the pivotal choice between deep frying and baking your homemade beef empanadas? Each method holds its own charm, transforming that simple meat mixture encased in pastry dough into a culinary delight. If you're leaning towards achieving that irresistibly golden brown crust, deep frying in hot oil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit nails it every time. Gifting your empanadas with a tempting crunch that's hard to resist.

But let's not overlook baking, a healthier option that still promises a flaky crust, with your empanadas laid out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slid into an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, turning golden in about 25 to 30 minutes. And for those who've embraced modern cooking technologies, the air fryer presents a middle ground. Requiring significantly less oil yet delivering a texture that's as close as you can get to deep frying. So whether it's the traditional allure of deep frying or the convenience and healthfulness of baking, your homemade beef empanadas are destined to be a crowd-pleaser.

Serving Suggestions

Once you've pulled those golden-brown beauties out of the oven or air fryer, the real fun begins. You can pretty much pair these easy beef empanadas with anything. I'm talking about diving into the vibrant flavors of Latin America with some classic sides and dips. Picture this: a lovely platter of homemade empanadas, surrounded by colorful, fresh salsas, maybe a creamy guacamole, or even a zesty tomato sauce. The possibilities are as endless as they are delicious. If you're like me, always looking for that perfect bite, try serving them alongside a crisp, green salad or maybe some sweet potato fries for a fun twist. Remember, the best part about cooking is making it your own, so feel free to get creative with your sides and sauces!

Storing and Reheating Tips

After you've gone to the effort of making these delicious homemade beef empanadas, whether using your own empanada dough or store-bought, you'll want to savor every last one. So, if you're looking ahead and knowing you'll have some to store, here's how to keep them as tantalizing as when you first took them out of the oven or fryer.

• In an airtight container or freezer bag, place your cooled, leftover empanadas in a single layer. If you're stacking them, make sure to put parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
• For unbaked empanadas, it's the same drill, but make sure they're frozen flat on a sheet pan before tucking them into their long-term storage spot in the freezer.
• When it’s time to reheat, avoid the microwave if you can. For optimal results, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until they warm through and the crust achieves a crisp, golden brown. This method helps maintain that flaky crust and the delicious taste we all crave in an empanada.

Embracing the Joy of Empanadas

Stepping into my kitchen, embarking on the journey to create homemade beef empanadas, I'm reminded of the simple joys that cooking can bring into our lives. It’s not just about the golden-brown crust that greets you after a bake time, or the delicious beef filling that promises a flavorful fiesta with every bite. It’s about the love and creativity you pour into each step, from kneading your own empanada dough on a lightly floured work surface to selecting the perfect mix of spices—chili powder, black pepper, maybe even a dash of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.

Making empanadas at home offers a canvas for expression. Whether you're a fan of traditional empanadas from South America, looking to explore Mexican recipes, or even create a fusion that speaks to your personal preference, the possibilities are endless. And let's not forget the satisfaction of seeing your friends and family enjoy a meal you've prepared with your own hands, possibly using the empanada fillings you tailored just for them.

I urge you to dive into the process, to experiment with fillings, and to embrace the joy of making empanadas. Share this experience with those closest to you, making every meal a celebration of culture, love, and homemade delights. There’s something incredibly special about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and savoring the food prepared with intention and care.

Looking for other great Mexican food? Check out my Tacos Dorados recipe!