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Delicious beef empanadas, baked or fried, featuring savory beef and cheese filling.

Beef Empanadas

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Beef Empanadas are perfect for meal prep, parties, or a cozy dinner. Bake or fry them to match your mood!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Latin American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef (85 to 90 percent lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-2 teaspoons cumin to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional but recommended
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 small chopped tomato
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or a squeeze of lemon
  • Optional add ins: chopped green olives, corn, diced bell pepper, or chili flakes
Dough Ingredients
  • Empanada discs or rolled pie dough circles
  • 1 egg for egg wash if baking
  • Oil for frying if you are frying

Method
 

Make the Beef Filling
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the onion with a little oil and cook until soft.
  2. Stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as you go.
  4. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and the tomato paste. Let it cook for a couple of minutes.
  5. Finish with vinegar or lemon to enhance the flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  6. Important: Let the filling cool completely.
Assemble the Empanadas
  1. Lay out a dough disc and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
  2. Wet the edges with water, fold into a half moon, and press to seal.
  3. Crimp with a fork or twist to seal securely.
Baked Option
  1. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the empanadas on a lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18 to 25 minutes until golden.
  3. Let them sit for 5 minutes before eating due to hot filling.
Fried Option
  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

Notes

Cool filling completely before assembling. Do not overfill the dough to prevent bursting. Use vinegar or lemon to enhance flavor. Bake in a hot oven for the best results.