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Beef Empanadas

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Beef Empanadas are savory hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and optional mix-ins like olives or hard-boiled egg, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. Baked or fried, they’re perfect for snacks, meals, or parties.

Ingredients

  • For the dough:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup cold water (more as needed)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • For the filling:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder or smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 more minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in olives, chopped egg, and herbs if using. Let cool slightly.
  6. Assemble empanadas: Roll dough on a floured surface and cut into 4–6 inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each.
  7. Fold dough over to form half-moon shapes. Seal edges by pressing with a fork or crimping. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Brush tops with beaten egg.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Use store-bought empanada dough or refrigerated pie crust for convenience.Chill dough to make rolling and sealing easier.Let filling cool before assembling to avoid soggy dough.Add cheese, beans, or corn for variation.Can be baked or fried depending on preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/beef-empanadas/