Golden, Buttery, and FLAKY — The Ultimate GROUND BEEF EMPANADAS Recipe!!

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground pork is often less expensive.

empanada dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat dough

💰Cheaper: store-bought dough

Whole wheat dough offers more fiber, while store-bought is convenient and cost-effective.

Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat.

Add diced green bell pepper, onion, and red bell pepper; sauté for 3 minutes.

Add ground beef and minced garlic; cook for 7-8 minutes until fully cooked, breaking down the beef as it cooks.

Taste for salt and adjust as needed; remove any excess grease from the meat.

Set the cooked beef mixture aside to cool down.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt; mix well.

Add shredded butter and mix until incorporated.

Gradually add 1 and 1/4 cups of cold water, mixing until the dough is hydrated.

Knead the dough on a clean countertop until smooth; divide into 20-22 small balls.

Roll each ball into a flat disc, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Place cheese in the center of the disc, followed by about 2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture.

Fold the dough over to seal, pressing the edges together; crimp with a fork or create a decorative edge.

Place shaped empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour until dough is dry.

Heat oil to 350°F over medium heat for frying.

Fry empanadas for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on both sides; drain excess oil after frying.

Serve immediately with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens