Quick Beef Empanadas

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10-12 empanadas

Crispy, golden, and stuffed with savory goodness. These beef empanadas are the ultimate snack, meal, or excuse to eat with your hands. Using store-bought dough (because who has time to make it from scratch?), this recipe is quick, easy, and dangerously delicious. Perfect for meal prep, party snacks, or those ‘oops, I forgot to defrost dinner’ moments. Bonus: They freeze like a dream, so you can always have a stash ready for emergency cravings!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup tomato sauce or 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• 1 boiled egg, chopped (optional)
• 1 package of store-bought empanada dough (discos)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions until soft (about 2 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Season & simmer: Once the beef is browned, drain excess fat. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add tomato sauce and mix well. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in olives and boiled egg (if using). Let cool slightly.
4. Fill the empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto one-half of each empanada disc. Fold over and press the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Egg wash: Lightly beat the egg and brush it over the empanadas for a golden crust.
6. Bake: Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve: Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Quick Tips:

• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Filling Variations: Add cheese, bell peppers, or black beans for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: Fill and freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Gadget Alert!

The MUMSUNG Dumpling Maker and Empanada Press Set makes homemade dumplings, empanadas, and hand pies effortless! With easy-to-use molds and a dough cutter included, you’ll get perfectly sealed, uniform treats every time—no kitchen skills required!

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