Easy Beef Empanadas

Indulge in the mouthwatering world of homemade beef empanadas with this easy and flavorful recipe. Discover how to create perfectly flaky pastries stuffed with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and aromatic spices. Perfect for any occasion, these empanadas are a delicious snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Don't wait—click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this delightful treat!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup green olives, chopped

1 package of store-bought empanada dough disks (about 10-12 disks)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until softened.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Season the beef mixture with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in the chopped green olives and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Preheat a large pot with oil for frying over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C).

On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough disks. Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each disk.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them securely.

In batches, carefully fry the empanadas in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Brush each empanada with the beaten egg before serving for an extra sheen, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 10-12

- Presentation Tips: Serve the beef empanadas warm on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and a side of salsa or avocado dip for a colorful touch.