Beef Empanadas

There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings smiles to everyone around the table, and for me, savory Beef Empanadas baked golden hold that special place. These little pockets of deliciousness, with their crispy, flaky crust and richly seasoned beef and olive filling, are a testament to how simple ingredients can create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of comforting food that reminds me of cozy evenings and the joy of sharing. If you’re looking for another delightful, comforting meal, you might enjoy my recipe for Cauliflower Fried Rice.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

I remember watching my mom in the kitchen, her hands expertly crimping dough, filling it with the most aromatic savory mixtures. Those moments inspired my lifelong love affair with cooking, especially for holiday feasts and everyday meals that nourish the soul. This recipe, much like those cherished memories, is about creating something special with love.

These baked Beef Empanadas offer the perfect solution for busy families: a deeply satisfying, full-flavored meal with minimal fuss. My secret for stress-free cooking is always to prep your ingredients ahead of time; it makes the assembly a breeze!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful empanadas starts with simple, wholesome ingredients like ground beef, fragrant garlic, and those lovely pimento-stuffed green olives that add such a zesty burst. It’s a truly satisfying dish that comes together beautifully, reminiscent of the satisfying flavors found in a Mediterranean Chicken Bowl. All the precise measurements and the full list are waiting for you in the recipe card below!

How to Make Beef Empanadas

Making these Beef Empanadas is a wonderfully rewarding process, even for a weeknight! You’ll begin by preparing a simple, flaky dough, then simmer a rich, flavorful ground beef filling with olives and spices. Next, assemble these handheld treasures by filling and crimping, before baking them until they’re golden brown and perfectly irresistible.

Zesty Beef & Olive Empanadas

These savory Beef Empanadas feature a rich, zesty ground beef filling packed with olives and spices, all encased in a flaky, golden pastry shell. Perfect as an appetizer or a delightful main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 empanadas

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Argentinian, Latin American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Empanada Dough (or use store-bought)

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cold unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into small cubes
• 1 large Egg beaten
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup Ice water
• 1 tsp Salt

For the Beef Filling

• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 medium Yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1/2 medium Red bell pepper finely diced
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cumin ground
• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1/4 cup Beef broth
• 1/2 cup Pimento-stuffed green olives sliced
• 2 large Hard-boiled eggs chopped (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste

For Assembly & Baking

• 1 large Egg beaten (for egg wash)

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Rolling Pin
• 3-inch Round Cookie Cutter
• Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Pastry Brush
• Fork

Method

 

Prepare the Empanada Dough (if making from scratch)

• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
• Cut in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk the beaten egg with 1/2 cup of ice water. Gradually add this liquid to the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too dry.
• Gather the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.

Prepare the Beef Filling

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are softened.
• Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add tomato paste and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green olives and chopped hard-boiled eggs (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the empanadas.

Assemble the Empanadas

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles of dough. Reroll scraps as needed. You should get about 12-14 circles.
• Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border.
• Lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water or egg wash. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
• Press the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a decorative seal that also helps prevent the filling from leaking.

Bake the Empanadas

• Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheets.
• In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for a golden finish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
• Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

For an even quicker recipe, use store-bought empanada discs (often found in the frozen section of Latin American markets). Thaw them according to package instructions before filling.
Empanadas can be made ahead and frozen unbaked. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Pro Tips for Making This Beef Empanadas

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make these Beef Empanadas truly shine. Don’t rush the dough chilling process; it makes it much easier to work with and ensures that beautiful flaky crust. When assembling, don’t overfill, as that can lead to bursting. A good seal is your best friend!

My Secret Trick: I always brush my empanadas with an egg wash not just for that gorgeous golden shine, but also for an extra layer of crispiness that makes every bite a delight. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture and presentation!

Fun Variations for Beef Empanadas

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and these Beef Empanadas are so versatile! You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand.

• Spice it Up: For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño to your beef filling. My family loves a little heat, especially when we’re having a cozy game night!
• Cheese Please: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese mixed into the filling before baking adds a lovely creaminess and extra richness.
• Veggie Boost: Fold in some finely diced carrots or peas with the beef filling for added nutrients and color. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters!

What to Serve With Beef Empanadas

These savory Beef Empanadas are substantial on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a few simple sides.

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas.
• Chipotle Aioli: A homemade chipotle aioli or a simple sour cream and lime dipping sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the savory filling.
• Black Bean and Corn Salsa: For a vibrant, fresh side, a colorful black bean and corn salsa offers a delightful burst of flavor and texture.

My practical tip is to always keep a batch of homemade salsa in the fridge. It elevates so many dishes, including these delightful empanadas!

How to Store Empanadas for Later

Life gets busy, and having delicious leftovers is always a win! Cooked Beef Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked or baked for up to 2-3 months. Reheat baked empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. I always wrap them in foil for the first part of reheating to keep them from drying out, then uncover for the last few minutes for that perfect crisp.

Wholesome Goodness in Every Bite

Beyond their comforting taste, these delightful Beef Empanadas offer a good source of protein from the ground beef, essential for building and repairing tissues, making them a hearty and family-friendly meal. The vegetables and olives also contribute vitamins and healthy fats.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for Empanadas?

Absolutely! Using store-bought pie crust or empanada discs is a fantastic shortcut to save time, especially on busy weeknights. It still results in delicious Beef Empanadas without the extra effort of making dough from scratch.

What’s the best way to crimp empanadas?

To get a good seal and a pretty edge, simply fold the dough over the filling, press the edges together, and then use the tines of a fork to crimp all around the edge. This prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.

Can I fry these Empanadas instead of baking?

Yes, you can! While I love the baked version for less mess, you can certainly deep-fry these Beef Empanadas until golden brown and crispy. Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) for best results.

How do I prevent my Empanadas from getting soggy?

The key to preventing soggy Beef Empanadas is to make sure your beef filling isn’t too wet. After cooking the beef, drain off any excess liquid before assembling. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to get that crisp crust.

Conclusion

I hope these savory Beef Empanadas become a new favorite in your home, bringing as much joy and comfort to your table as they do to mine. Remember, delicious, hearty meals don’t have to be complicated, and with a little love and these practical tips, you can create memorable moments right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking, friends!

Follow us on Social Media : Facebook and Pinterest