Here’s a delicious and authentic Mexican-style Ground Beef Empanadas recipe. These savory hand pies are flaky, flavorful, and perfect for snacking, meals, or parties.
🥟 Mexican Ground Beef Empanadas (Empanadas de Carne Molida)
🧂 Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
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1 egg
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½ cup cold water (more as needed)
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1 tsp white vinegar (optional – makes dough more tender)
For the Beef Filling:
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1 lb ground beef
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½ small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup tomato sauce or 2 blended tomatoes
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¼ cup chopped green olives (optional, traditional)
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1–2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, finely chopped (optional)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked or regular paprika
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½ tsp oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
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Add cold butter and cut into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly.
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In a small bowl, whisk egg, cold water, and vinegar.
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Add wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix until dough forms. Add a bit more water if too dry.
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Knead briefly, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
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In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned.
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Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, olives, jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer for 5–10 minutes, until slightly thickened. Let cool.
3. Assemble the Empanadas:
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Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick.
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Cut into 4–6 inch circles.
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Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling into each circle.
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Fold over into a half-moon, seal edges by pressing with a fork or crimping by hand.
4. Cook:
Option A: Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
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Brush tops with beaten egg (egg wash) for a golden finish.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Option B: Fry
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Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry empanadas in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
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Drain on paper towels.
🌶️ Serve With:
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Salsa roja or salsa verde
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Guacamole or sour cream
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Mexican rice or a side salad
Would you like a variation with cheese, or a dough version using masa (corn-based)?