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Beef Empanada Recipe Baked

Beef Empanada Recipe Baked

These baked beef empanadas feature a golden, flaky crust wrapped around a juicy, seasoned beef filling. A lighter, oven-baked version that’s perfect for snacks, meals, parties, and freezer prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 12 Empanadas
Course: Appetizer, Healthy Side Dishes & Salads
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough
  • Use homemade dough for best results:

    Empanada Dough Recipe

  • OR use 2 refrigerated pie crusts.
  • For the Beef Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder optional
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt or salt substitute
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp chopped olives or raisins optional traditional touch
  • For Assembly
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • Extra flour for dusting

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork (for crimping edges)

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into fine crumbs for even filling.
  3. Stir in paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce to create a rich, cohesive mixture.
  4. Simmer briefly until thickened, then let the filling cool completely before using.
  5. Roll out dough and cut into circles, then add a small spoonful of filling into the center of each disc.
  6. Fold the dough over, press edges firmly, and crimp with a fork or fold into a traditional rope edge.
  7. Place empanadas on a parchment-lined sheet and brush the tops lightly with beaten egg.
  8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the crust turns beautifully golden and crisp.

Notes

  • Cooling the filling prevents soggy dough and helps empanadas keep their shape.
  • Add diced potatoes to the beef for a traditional regional variation.
  • These freeze extremely well; freeze unbaked, then bake straight from frozen (+5 minutes).
  • Serve with salsa, chimichurri, or creamy dipping sauces for extra flavor.
Beef Empanada Recipe Baked
Beef Empanada Recipe Baked