Beef Empanadas are not just a dish; they are a celebration of comfort and flavor wrapped in a golden-brown crust. Imagine biting into a flaky exterior that gives way to a warm, savory filling of spiced ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and hints of garlic, all harmonizing in a delightful mix of textures and tastes. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, because it combines ease with nostalgic memories for many of us. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own batch of delicious Beef Empanadas!

Ingredients

To get started, gather these vibrant and aromatic ingredients:

1 cup Boiling Water: This helps create a tender, pliable dough.
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich creaminess to the dough.
1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
3 cups All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to your empanada dough.
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
1 medium Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper: Offers a fresh, juicy crunch.
1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper: Adds color and a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.
2 cloves Fresh Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
1 pound Ground Beef: The star protein that brings heartiness to the empanadas.
1/2 cup Tomato Puree: Offers moisture and tanginess to the filling.
1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika: Infuses a warm, earthy flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat.
1/2 teaspoon Dry Oregano: Contributes an herbaceous note.
1/2 teaspoon Dry Parsley: Brightens the dish with its freshness.
1/4 teaspoon Dried Garlic: Intensifies the garlic flavor in the filling.
1 teaspoon Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomato puree.
2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh, crisp flavor.
2 hard-boiled Eggs: Adds richness and texture to the filling.

Step-by-Step Directions

In a medium bowl, mix boiling water, butter, and salt until melted and dissolved.
Add the flour to form a shaggy dough, knead until smooth, then let it rest, covered, for 2 hours.
While the dough is resting, sauté onions and peppers in oil over medium heat until soft. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and no longer pink. Stir in the tomato puree and spices—sweet paprika, chili powder, oregano, parsley, dried garlic, and sugar—mixing well to combine all the flavors.
Once the mixture is well combined and the beef is cooked through, fold in the chopped green onions and diced hard-boiled eggs. Allow the filling to cool completely.
After resting, roll the dough into small balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about six inches in diameter. Place a generous spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork if desired for extra decoration. Ensure there are no open edges.
In a large skillet, heat oil for frying. Once hot, carefully place several empanadas in the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Tips & Tricks

To enhance your Beef Empanadas and make them uniquely yours, consider the following tips:

Add Spice: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste; a dash of cayenne pepper can add some additional heat.
Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheese into the filling for a creamy texture.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite vegetables for a meat-free version.
Brushed with Egg Wash: For an extra glossy finish, brush the empanadas with beaten egg before frying.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Beef Empanadas can shine on their own, but they’re also wonderfully complemented by various sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad or salsa for a contrasting zing. They make a great appetizer or main dish for gatherings with friends and family, tailgating events, or a cozy movie night. Pair them with a dipping sauce like spicy salsa or cooling yogurt sauce to take the experience to the next level.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Beef Empanadas, typically two empanadas, contains approximately:

Calories: 400–450
Protein: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fat: 20 grams

While these empanadas are satisfying, it’s good to balance them with plenty of vegetables or a wholesome salad, ensuring you enjoy a well-rounded meal.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftover Beef Empanadas, let them cool completely, then place them in airtight containers. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring they retain their crispiness.

Experiment with variations by changing the filling—try chicken, cheese, or even beans for a delightful twist on this classic dish.

Conclusion

Making Beef Empanadas is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the love and memories that fill each bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the process as much as the delicious outcome. Your family and friends will appreciate the warmth and comfort these Empanadas bring to the table. Share your experience with us in the comments below!

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal for frying because of their high smoke points.
Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?
Absolutely! You can bake the empanadas at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, simply dust it with a little extra flour while kneading. Just be careful not to add too much!
How can I make these empanadas gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, ensuring it meets your dietary needs.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with Beef Empanadas, and happy cooking!

Beef Empanadas

Delicious Beef Empanadas wrapped in a flaky crust, filled with spiced ground beef, bell peppers, and garlic. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 30

Total Time 2 30

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Argentinian, Latin American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

1 cup Boiling Water Helps create a tender, pliable dough.
1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Adds a rich creaminess to the dough.
1 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavor.
3 cups All-Purpose Flour Gives structure to the empanada dough.

Filling Ingredients

2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
1 medium Yellow Onion Adds sweetness and depth.
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper Offers fresh, juicy crunch.
1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper Adds color and slight bitterness.
2 cloves Fresh Garlic Provides aromatic flavor.
1 pound Ground Beef The star protein of the filling.
1/2 cup Tomato Puree Offers moisture and tanginess.
1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika Infuses warm, earthy flavor.
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder Adds a gentle kick of heat.
1/2 teaspoon Dry Oregano Contributes an herbaceous note.
1/2 teaspoon Dry Parsley Brightens dish with freshness.
1/4 teaspoon Dried Garlic Intensifies garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon Sugar Balances acidity of the tomato puree.
2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions Adds fresh, crisp flavor.
2 hard-boiled Eggs Adds richness and texture.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, mix boiling water, butter, and salt until melted and dissolved.
Add the flour to form a shaggy dough, knead until smooth, then let it rest, covered, for 2 hours.

Cook the Filling

While the dough is resting, sauté onions and peppers in oil over medium heat until soft. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the tomato puree and spices—sweet paprika, chili powder, oregano, parsley, dried garlic, and sugar—mixing well to combine.
Fold in the chopped green onions and diced hard-boiled eggs. Allow filling to cool completely.

Assemble and Fry

After resting, roll the dough into small balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each into a circle about six inches in diameter.
Place a generous spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork if desired.
In a large skillet, heat oil for frying. Once hot, carefully place several empanadas in the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
Remove and place empanadas on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Notes

For a glossy finish, brush the empanadas with beaten egg before frying. Adjust spices according to taste, and for a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or vegetables.

Keyword Beef Empanadas, Comfort Food, Make Ahead Meals, party food, Savory Pastries