Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe
Introduction
Easy Beef Empanadas are a flavorful and satisfying snack or meal, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With a seasoned ground beef filling wrapped in crispy dough, they bring a taste of Latin-inspired comfort to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 10-piece pack of Goya Empanada dough
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onions, and diced red and green bell peppers over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Step 2: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 3: Place one empanada dough disk on parchment paper. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of the disk.
- Step 4: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the empanada. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
- Step 5: Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry 2 empanadas at a time, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Step 6: Serve the hot empanadas with your favorite salads, salsas, or guacamole. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a minced garlic clove or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Try baking the empanadas at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes if you prefer a lighter version without frying.
- Add shredded cheese inside the empanadas for a melty filling variation.
Storage
Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to preserve their crispiness. You can also freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 1 month; bake or fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made empanada dough substitutes?
Yes, if Goya empanada dough is unavailable, you can use puff pastry or pie crust dough as alternatives, but the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, beans, or lentils seasoned similarly. This keeps the filling hearty and flavorful.
Print
Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas 1x
Description
These Easy Beef Empanadas are a flavorful and convenient snack or meal. Ground beef is cooked with peppers, onions, and spices, then wrapped in Goya empanada dough and fried until golden and crispy. Perfect for parties or a tasty dinner served with salads, salsas, or guacamole.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Dough
- 1 10-piece pack Goya Empanada dough
Additional
- Cooking oil for frying (enough to heat to 350°F)
- Cheese, 1 tablespoon per empanada (type not specified, use your favorite cheese)
Instructions
- Cook the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onions, and diced bell peppers together, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables become tender. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Season the filling: Add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef and vegetables. Stir well and let the mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to blend. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Prepare the empanada dough: Lay an empanada dough disk flat on a piece of parchment paper. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center of the disk. Top the filling with 1 tablespoon of cheese.
- Seal the empanadas: Fold the empanada dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with the tines of a fork to seal them completely. Repeat this process for all the remaining dough disks and filling.
- Heat oil for frying: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat cooking oil to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Fry the empanadas: Carefully place 2 empanadas at a time into the hot oil. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes or until the exterior is a beautiful golden brown color and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn and remove the empanadas, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve and enjoy: Once all empanadas are fried, serve them hot with your favorite sides such as salads, salsas, or guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference or omit if desired.
- For a healthier option, bake the empanadas at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown instead of frying.
- Ensure the oil is at the proper temperature (350°F) for crispy, non-greasy empanadas.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat by frying or baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Keywords: Beef empanadas, fried empanadas, Latin American snack, empanada recipe, ground beef empanadas
