Easy Beef Empanadas 

These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delightful and savory treat, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a quick meal. Filled with seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, all encased in a flaky pastry, they offer a comforting bite that's both satisfying and flavorful. Whether baked or fried, these empanadas are sure to impress your taste buds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

For the Empanadas:

• 1 package refrigerated empanada dough (or homemade dough)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Olive oil (for frying or brushing)

Directions

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

   • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

   • Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, approximately 7–10 minutes.

   • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

   • Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.

   • Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted. Let the filling cool slightly.

2. Assemble the Empanadas:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.

   • On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough circles.

   • Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.

   • Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.

   • Press the edges to seal them well, and crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

3. Prepare for Baking or Frying:

   • To Bake: Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.

   • To Fry: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.

4. Serve:

   • Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving.

   • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Nutritional Information (Per Empanada)

• Calories: Approximately 409 kcal

• Total Fat: 24 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Cholesterol: 118 mg

• Sodium: 433 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 17 g

• Dietary Fiber: 1 g

• Sugars: 2 g

• Protein: 29 g