Teresa's Recipes
Savory Beef Empanadas
Indulge in these delightful homemade beef empanadas, where flaky, golden crusts encase a mouthwatering filling of seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, vibrant green bell peppers, and tangy olives. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these empanadas are a nod to Latin American culinary tradition, where they have been enjoyed for centuries as portable meals. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them irresistible and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1, beaten (for egg wash) Egg
- 2 (for a little extra flakiness, use homemade if preferred) Refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/2 cup, sliced Pitted green olives
- 1, diced Green bell pepper
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 1 pound Ground beef
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the sliced olives, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface and cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg for a golden crust.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and flaky.
- Serve hot, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri or a spicy salsa.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling.
- Feel free to experiment with different meats, such as chicken or pork, or make a vegetarian version using lentils or beans.
- Serve with a side of avocado or guacamole for added creaminess.