Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (14 ounces) pre-made empanada dough
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let the beef filling cool slightly. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay empanada dough circles on a floured surface. Place a spoonful of cooled beef filling in the center, fold dough, and seal edges with a fork.
- Place empanadas on a lined baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with salsa or sour cream.
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- For a vegetarian option, use seasoned black beans or lentils.
- Incorporate shredded cheese into the filling for a cheesy version.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time for easier assembly.
- Freeze unbaked empanadas and bake from frozen when needed.
- Consider making empanada dough from scratch for a personal touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg