How to Make Beef Empanadas (Cuban Style)

beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork offers cost savings.

empanada dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat dough

💰Cheaper: store-bought dough

Whole wheat adds fiber, while store-bought saves time.

olives

🥗Healthier: capers

💰Cheaper: pickles

Capers provide a similar briny flavor, while pickles are often less expensive.

hard-boiled eggs

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: none

Tofu can mimic the texture and add protein.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add about 1 teaspoon of oil.

Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for a few minutes (about 3 minutes).

Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute.

Push the onion and garlic to the side and add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet; start cooking the beef.

After cooking the beef for a bit, add chopped bell peppers and the tomato sauce.

Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano; mix everything together and lower the heat.

Cover the skillet and let the liquid reduce a little.

Add 2 heaping tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the filling to help it stick together.

Let the filling cool down for a bit.

Take the empanada pastry shells and stuff them with the filling; close them up.

Use the edge of a fork to seal the edges of the empanadas.

Heat oil in a hot skillet and fry the empanadas until golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens