How to Make the Perfect Easy Beef Empanadas
Latin American · Easy · 45 min · 8 servings
These golden baked beef empanadas are a kid friendly recipe that makes lunchtime exciting. Kids love the handheld format and savory filling tucked inside flaky dough.
Why this recipe works
This Easy Beef Empanadas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 pieces pre-made empanada dough discs
- 1 whole egg beaten
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, drain fat, and stir in cumin and garlic powder. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Fill the Dough
Place one tablespoon of beef filling and a pinch of cheese onto each dough disc, then fold and press edges with a fork to seal.
Step 3: Brush and Bake
Brush each empanada with beaten egg and bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let empanadas cool for 5 minutes before serving so kids do not burn their mouths on the hot filling.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a lighter option
- pre-made dough discs → refrigerated pie crust cut into rounds
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the empanadas causes them to burst open during baking
- Skipping the egg wash results in pale dough that lacks a golden crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 14g protein, 28g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.
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