Beef Empanadas Recipe

There’s something truly magical about biting into a golden, flaky empanada and discovering the warm, savory filling inside—like a little hug from the inside out. Let me whisk you away on a culinary adventure with my favorite recipe for beef empanadas, stuffed with flavorful spices, tangy olives, and just the right touch of sweetness from raisins. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own cozy night in.

I take great pleasure in making a delicious and hearty meal in my Beef Empanadas. They’re filled with mouthwatering ground beef sautéed with onion, diced bell pepper, and garlic, all well-seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika.

The dish has a canvas of good dough and is painted with the savory and aromatic beef mixture that fills the empanadas. But I think the dish gets raised to a whole new level with the addition of chopped green olives and a handful of raisins.

Beef Empanadas Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, provides a savory base.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; a source of antioxidants.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor; known for antibacterial properties.
• Bell Pepper: Sweet crunch, high in vitamin C and fiber.
• Green Olives: Add a briny taste, full of healthy fats.
• Raisins: Introduce sweetness, packed with natural sugars and fiber.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: Provide protein and a creamy texture.

Beef Empanadas Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup chopped green olives
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1 package (14 ounces) empanada dough discs
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make this Beef Empanadas Recipe

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

2. Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the peppers soften.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the beef is fully cooked and browned.

4. Mix in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Ensure the beef is well coated with these spices.

5. Add the beef broth, letting it bubble away for about 3 minutes, until most of the liquid has cooked off.

6. Chopped green olives, raisins, and chopped hard-boiled eggs should be added to the mixture, and then it should be stirred to combine. The filling can then be removed from heat and allowed to cool slightly.

7. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up. Meanwhile, grab a sheet pan and line it with parchment.

8. On a clean, flat surface, place a disc of empanada dough. To the center of the disc, add 2 tablespoons of beef filling. Brush the edges of the disc with water, fold it in half, and press its edges to make sure they’re sealed. Secure the edges by crimping them with a fork.

9. Place the prepared empanadas on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet and brush them with beaten egg.

10. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Beef Empanadas Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Mixing bowls
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Baking sheet
9. Parchment paper
10. Fork
11. Pastry brush
12. Oven

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different meat instead of beef?A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Q: Are the raisins necessary?A: Add a touch of sweetness with raisins; or omit or substitute chopped dates or currants.
• Q: Can I make the filling in advance?A: Yes, the filling can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge.
• Q: What can I use instead of empanada dough discs?You can opt for making your own dough or go with puff pastry as an alternative.
• Q: How do I prevent the empanadas from opening while baking?A: Make sure the edges are securely fastened with egg wash, and crimp them with a fork.
• Q: Can these empanadas be frozen?A: Yes, they can be frozen before baking. Bake from the frozen state, adding several extra minutes to the baking time.
• Q: What dipping sauces pair well with empanadas?Chimichurri, salsa, or a spicy aioli are excellent choices.

Beef Empanadas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Onion, chopped: Use shallots for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Black olives or capers: Substitute green olives for these, if you want.

Dried cranberries: Use these instead of raisins for a different sweet-tart flavor.
Disc de masa para empanada: si no tienes, usa un disco de masa para empanada que compres, usa puff pastry (masa de hojaldre) que tengas, o haz la masa usando tu receta de empanada. Para hacer empanada, se necesitan 200 g de harina de trigo, 100 g de mantequilla, 50 ml de agua, 1 cucharadita de sal, y esta es una receta para 8 discos que sirven para hacer 4 empanadas.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor depth, consider browning the ground beef thoroughly before adding the spices. This caramelization can add a rich, umami flavor to your filling.

2. For a more aromatic filling, toast the cumin and smoked paprika in the skillet for about 30 seconds before adding the ground beef. This will help release their flavors more fully.

3. Allow the beef filling to cool completely before filling the empanada dough. This helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy during baking.

4. For a crispier crust, consider chilling the filled empanadas in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. The cold dough will heat up more gradually, promoting a flaky texture.

5. If you prefer a spicier empanada, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the bell peppers and garlic. This can give your empanadas a nice kick!