Description
This easy homemade ground beef empanada recipe creates savory, flaky hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices. A perfect appetizer, snack, or main dish, these baked empanadas are ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep. Enjoy the flavorful filling and crisp golden crust!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional)
- 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart while it cooks. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Stir in green olives if using. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out empanada dough and cut into 4-5 inch circles if needed. Place 1-2 tbsp of beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought empanada dough or pie crust.
- Customize with different fillings like cheese, vegetables, or chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg