Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe

Learn how to make the best easy beef empanadas with this step-by-step recipe. These empanadas are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for a party.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup ice water
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and oil. Add the ice water and stir until the dough comes together.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for several minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. While the dough is resting, make the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
5. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
8. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles.
9. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each circle of dough. Fold the dough over and seal the edges, crimping them together with a fork.
10. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the empanadas with the egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

FAQ

• Q: What can use instead of all-purpose flour?
  
  A: You can use whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour, or a mix of both.
• Q: What can use instead of vegetable oil?
  
  A: You can use olive oil, canola oil, or another neutral-flavored oil.
• Q: Can make the empanadas ahead of time?
  
  A: Yes, you can make the empanadas ahead of time and freeze them. To freeze the empanadas, bake them according to the recipe and then let them cool completely. Once they are cool, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. The empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake the frozen empanadas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Q: What dipping sauce can serve with the empanadas?
  
  A: You can serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Pros

• Easy to make
• Can be made ahead of time