Description

These easy beef empanadas are a delicious handheld meal with a savory ground beef filling wrapped in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or empanada dough)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and cooked through.
Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in tomato sauce and chopped olives, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Roll out pie crusts and cut into circles (about 4-6 inches in diameter).
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape and seal edges with a fork.
Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Empanadas can be frozen before baking for future use.
Try adding cheese or diced vegetables for extra flavor.
Use store-bought dough to save time, or make your own from scratch.