Homemade Ground Beef Empanadas

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.

Put on an apron and ensure hands are clean.

Gather ingredients: margarine, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, half a bell pepper, half an onion, corn, ground beef, Chihuahua cheese, water, salt, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour.

Prepare the dough by mixing 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 stick of unsalted butter, and 0.5 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water until a ball forms.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Dice half an onion and half a green bell pepper.

In a skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and break it apart.

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 chicken bouillon, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and margarine to the skillet.

Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the meat is cooked through in its own juices.

Add 1 cup of frozen corn and cook for another 4 minutes, ensuring there is no liquid left in the mixture.

Transfer the filling to a plate and let it come to room temperature before adding 1 cup of Chihuahua cheese.

Roll out the rested dough and cut it into small discs using a plate or cookie cutter.

Use a gadget to fill the dough discs with the beef mixture and seal them.

Refrigerate the filled empanadas for at least 20 minutes to ensure they fry crispy.

Heat vegetable oil until a piece of tortilla floats when dropped in.

Deep fry the empanadas until golden brown, which doesn't take long.

Remove the empanadas and let them drain on paper napkins or a rack to remove excess oil.

Serve the empanadas warm, optionally with homemade guacamole.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens