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4.6 from 24 votes

Spanish Beef Empanadas Recipe

Spanish Beef Empanadas offer a delightful blend of buttery crust and spiced beef filling. These baked empanadas are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or any meal that demands a touch of savory goodness.

Prep Time
1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 55 mins
Servings: 15
Calories: 222 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: South American

Ingredients

For the Dough
  • 2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 1/2 tsp. of salt
  • 1 stick of cold unsalted butter diced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 c. of ice water
  • 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
For the Filling
  • 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 Tbsp. of paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. of ground cumin
  • 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 Tbsp. of fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 large onion finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 c. canned diced tomatoes with green chilies such as Rotel brand
  • 1/2 c. cooked black beans from a can
  • 1/2 c. shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs beaten (divided)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Sift the flour and salt together into a large bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the egg, water, and vinegar and beat together with a whisk. Pour the egg mixture into the flour and stir gently until it is incorporated.
  3. Dust a flat surface with a little flour and leave some on your hands. Grab the dough out of the bowl and shape it into a ball. Place it on the floured surface and knead gently a few times. Pat it into a flattened ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and put it in the fridge for one hour.
  4. While it is resting, make the filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until it softens (about 4 minutes). Then, add in the red pepper, lower the heat to medium, and cook for another five minutes. Add in the canned tomatoes and stir to combine.
  5. Add the lean ground beef to the pan and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the spices and cilantro. Once the beef has cooked all the way through, stir in the beans and cheese. Taste the mixture and then add salt and pepper to your liking. Stir in one of the beaten eggs and turn the heat down to low. Continue stirring until the egg no longer looks translucent (about two minutes or so). Remove from heat.
  6. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out roughly 4-inch round circles in the dough (use biscuit cutters or a small bowl turned upside down). Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center and fold the circle into a half-moon shape. Use the tines of a fork to pinch the edges together to seal the empanada closed. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Continue to do this with the remaining dough and filling.
  7. Once you’ve formed all of your empanadas, brush them with the egg wash. Bake the empanadas for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

  • To store baked Spanish Beef Empanadas, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat refrigerated empanadas, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For frozen empanadas, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 222kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 50mg (17%) Sodium 300mg (13%) Potassium 207mg (6%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 843IU (17%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 86mg (9%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 15Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 222kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 50mg 17%
Sodium 300mg 13%
Potassium 207mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 843IU 17%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 86mg 9%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.