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Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe

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4.1 from 71 reviews

These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delicious and simple-to-make snack or meal featuring a savory mixture of lean ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices, all wrapped in flaky pre-made pie crust and baked until golden. Perfect for gatherings or quick dinners, they are filled with flavorful Mexican-style seasoning and melted cheese to delight your taste buds.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 empanadas (serves 8)

Ingredients

Empanada Dough

  • 1 package of pre-made pie crust (2 rolls)

Beef Filling

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/2 medium diced bell pepper, any color
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup Mexican blended cheese

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the empanadas.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with a baking mat, non-stick foil, parchment paper, or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers until the beef is fully cooked, onions are translucent, and peppers are tender.
  4. Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling from being greasy.
  5. Season the Filling: Add cumin, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder to the cooked beef mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors well, then remove from heat.
  6. Prepare the Dough Circles: Roll out the pie crusts on a flat surface. Using a bowl or a round cutter about the size of a cereal bowl, trace and cut out circles. Typically, you’ll get about 3 circles from each crust. Combine and reroll leftover dough to cut additional circles until all dough is used, approximately 8 circles total.
  7. Fill Empanadas: Place a dough circle onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center, then top with about 1 tablespoon of Mexican blended cheese.
  8. Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough circle in half over the filling, pressing the edges firmly together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they are tightly closed.
  9. Repeat Filling and Sealing: Continue filling, folding, and sealing the remaining dough circles until all empanadas are assembled on the baking sheet.
  10. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the tops of each empanada to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
  11. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown on top.
  12. Serve: Remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite salads, salsas, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean) for healthier empanadas; if using fattier beef, be sure to drain excess fat well.
  • Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced jalapenos for heat or substituting the cheese with your preferred type.
  • These empanadas can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • To achieve a crispier crust, you can brush the empanadas with melted butter instead of egg wash or add a sprinkle of coarse salt on top.
  • Cook the filling completely and drain fat thoroughly to prevent soggy empanadas.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/easy-beef-empanadas-recipe/