How To Make Empanadas Recipe

I discovered the perfect recipe for baked beef empanadas packed with savory ground beef, garlic, and red bell pepper enhanced by green olives. My filling, wrapped in flaky pastry, delivers a crunch with every bite. This flavor-packed delight will surprise and captivate your taste buds. Trust me, it’s a must-try.

I was excited to share my latest twist on a classic treat – beef empanadas that are baked instead of fried. This recipe totally changes the game by swapping out the deep-fried calorie overload with a flaky, buttery pastry that holds a meaty, well-seasoned filling.

I started by heating 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan and sautéing a diced medium onion along with 3 minced garlic cloves until they got soft and fragrant. Then I added 1 lb ground beef, some diced red bell pepper, and 1 tbsp tomato paste for extra richness.

A splash of beef broth, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper made the beef filling really pop. I even tossed in 1/2 cup chopped green olives to give it a tangy kick.

The step-by-step instructions and accompanying video make it super simple to follow along. Give it a try and see how easy it is to make these baked empanadas at home.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it packs a ton of flavor even though the ingredients are super simple. The beef, spices, and even the green olives create this cool mix of savory and tangy that just works every time. I also appreciate that it’s baked instead of fried becuse that makes it a bit healthier without messing up that crisp, golden crust. Plus, I love how easy it is to tweak the seasonings to suit my taste, which means I can make it just right every time I cook it.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides high quality protein and fat for a rich, satisfying filling.
• Olive oil delivers healthy fats and a smooth, robust base flavor for empanadas.
• Onion adds natural sweetness, fiber and layers of savory depth to the mix.
• Garlic is packed with a bold punch and health perks, though its flavor may be strong.
• Red bell pepper offers a crunchy, sweet-tart taste and a vitamin boost.
• Tomato paste intensifies the rich beef filling with its tangy, concentrated flavor.
• Green olives infuse a salty kick that brightens every bite remarkably.
• Empanada dough gives a flaky, delicate crust that compliments the savory filling perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped green olives
• 1 package empanada dough discs or puff pastry
• 1 egg, lightly beaten for egg wash

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add 1 lb ground beef into the skillet and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it apart as it cooks.

3. Toss in 1 diced medium onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook them with the beef until the onion gets soft.

4. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and let it cook for a minute, then pour in 1/2 cup beef broth so the mixture is not too dry.

5. Sprinkle in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything very well.

6. Let the filling simmer until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld, this should take about 5-7 minutes.

7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped green olives.

8. Place your empanada dough discs or puff pastry onto a clean surface and spoon a good amount of the filling in the center of each one.

9. Fold each disc in half and press the edges together, then brush the top lightly with a beaten egg.

10. Transfer the empanadas to a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they look golden and flaky. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A properly working oven that can be preheated to 400°F
2. A large skillet to evenly cook the beef and veggies
3. A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for stirring and breaking up the meat
4. A sharp knife and a reliable cutting board to dice the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper
5. Measuring spoons for the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, plus a measuring cup for the beef broth
6. A baking sheet to arrange and bake the empanadas
7. A pastry brush or a small fork to apply the beaten egg as a wash
8. A simple bowl to beat the egg and mix with a little water if needed

FAQ

How To Make Empanadas Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef: You can try using ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute if you want a lighter option.
• Olive oil: Avocado oil can be a great alternative, or you can even use vegetable oil if you are in a pinch.
• Red bell pepper: If you dont have red, yellow bell peppers work fine or you can use a small amount of diced tomato to add some extra flavor.
• Green olives: Sometimes capers are a decent substitute since they give a similar briny kick to the dish.

Pro Tips

1. When cooking the beef, make sure u break it apart well so it cooks evenly. If u leave clumps together, the seasoning wont distribute as nicely.
2. Let the filling cool down a little bit before putting it on the dough, this can help prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
3. Taste the beef filling while its simmering. You might need a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your beef’s quality.
4. When sealing the empanadas, press the edges firmly with a fork to make sure they stay sealed during baking.