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beef empanadas on a white platter

Easy Beef Empanadas

  • Author: Dan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

These beef empanadas use store bought dough instead of making it from scratch! We make these tasty appetizers for parties, game days or tailgating!

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Fresh black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 ounce can) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 package frozen empanada discs (10 rounds)
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 teaspoon of water
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef with the onion until cooked through. Drain any drippings from the skillet.
  2. Add the salt, oregano, cumin, pepper, beans and garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in both cheeses and then turn the heat off and set the skillet aside to let the filling cool.
  3. Fill a deep, heavy bottomed pot 1/3 of the way full with oil. Heat the oil up until it reaches 350 degrees, using a dry thermometer.
  4. While the oil is heating, start making the empanadas by adding about 1/4 cup of the filling to one side of the empanada. Brush the edge with egg wash and then fold over the dough and seal with the edges of a fork. Make sure that the edges are sealed well so that the filling doesn’t leak out when you fry.
  5. Fry the empanadas for about 2-3 minutes until the dough is crispy and browned. Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined platter and immediately season with kosher salt.
  6. Repeat with the remaining empanadas. Keep finished empanadas in the oven at 300 degrees to keep warm.

Recipe Notes

Don’t overcrowd your pot while frying. Add just a few empanadas at a time, depending on how large of a pot you are using.

  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American