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Ground Beef Empanadas

Ground Beef Empanadas
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These Ground Beef Empanadas are crispy on the outside and bursting with juicy, savory flavor inside. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner, hearty snack, or party appetizer, they feature rich seasoned ground beef wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s flavorful, satisfying, and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup chopped green olives
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dough & Finishing

  • Empanada dough or refrigerated pie crust (enough to cut 4-5 inch circles)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Water, for sealing edges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. Add ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, chopped green olives, and raisins. Cook for a few more minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  2. Roll and Cut the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the empanada dough or refrigerated pie crust to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or bowl about 4-5 inches in diameter, cut out dough circles suitable for folding and filling.
  3. Fill and Seal: Place a generous spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with water, fold the dough over into a half-moon shape, and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges using a fork to create a decorative and tight seal that prevents leaks.
  4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy filling.
  • Don’t overfill empanadas to prevent dough from bursting during baking.
  • Chill assembled empanadas for 15 minutes before baking to keep their shape.
  • Test bake one empanada first to check seasoning and adjust if needed.
  • Double recipe and freeze extras for convenient, quick future meals.

Nutrition

Keywords: Ground Beef Empanadas, Beef Empanadas, Baked Empanadas, Party Appetizer, Latin American Snack

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/ground-beef-empanadas/