Beef Empanadas
Delicious beef empanadas with a flaky crust, filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, spices, and vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper chopped (use whatever color brings you joy) Skip it if you prefer a softer texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste Use a modest amount for balanced flavor.
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste for desired spice level.
- 1 pack puff pastry sheets, thawed Frozen puff pastry is a convenient option.
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into small pieces.
- Stir in tomato paste and spices, then season to taste.
- Let filling cool slightly while you cut pastry into circles.
- Fill each pastry with beef mixture, fold, and seal with a fork.
- Brush with beaten egg and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and flaky.
Notes
Do not skimp on cooling the filling as hot centers could make the pastry soggy. If your folding feels clumsy, it's okay! Make sure to let the oven preheat fully before baking.