Learn How To Make The BEST Beef Empanadas! (Easy Empanada Recipe)

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.

Start by making the dough: combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil in a bowl and whisk together.

Gradually add all-purpose flour to the mixture, folding it together with a spoon until it starts to come together.

Switch to using your hands to knead the dough until smooth, then cover and set aside.

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet; toss until softened.

Add 1 bay leaf and continue to toss until the veggies soften.

Add lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.

Season the beef with a pinch of kosher salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika, then mix to combine.

Add fresh diced tomatoes to the beef mixture and reduce heat to let it simmer for a few minutes.

Stir in fresh garlic and fresh parsley, then add chopped green olives and 1 hard-boiled egg, removing the bay leaf afterward.

Let the filling sit while portioning the dough into smaller pieces for the empanadillas.

Flatten each piece of dough to about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Place a spoonful of meat filling in the center of each dough circle, then fold the dough over the filling.

Use a fork to gently score the edges to help seal the empanadillas.

Brush the tops with egg wash (water and egg) for a golden finish.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the empanadas for 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens