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Golden, crispy, and bursting with savory goodness, these Beef Empanadas are the ultimate handheld snack! Filled with seasoned ground beef, warm spices, and melty cheese, these flaky pastries are easy to make and impossible to resist.
Pair them with a bold, spicy dipping sauce, and you’ve got the perfect dish for parties, appetizers, or even a fun dinner. Baked or fried, these empanadas are crunchy, comforting, and packed with flavor!
🥩 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Empanada Dough (or use store-bought!):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cold water
👉 For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
👉 For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more, to taste!)
- ½ tsp lime juice
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- A pinch of salt
👉 For Assembling:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
🔥 How to Make Beef Empanadas with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Step 1: Make the Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought!)
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2️⃣ Add the egg and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
3️⃣ Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Add ground beef, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
5️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese and cilantro. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
6️⃣ Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into 4-5 inch circles.
7️⃣ Place 1-2 tbsp of beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold over and press the edges with a fork to seal.
8️⃣ Brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake or Fry
Oven Method:
9️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Frying Method:
🔟 Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Dipping Sauce
1️⃣1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
1️⃣2️⃣ Serve with warm empanadas and enjoy!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🌮 Want a Mexican Twist? Add chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies to the filling!
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade? Use queso fresco or pepper jack for a gooey center.
🔥 Extra Spicy? Use a spicy salsa or chipotle mayo for dipping!
❄️ Make Ahead? Freeze assembled empanadas before baking, then bake straight from frozen!
💡 What to Serve with It?
- Mexican rice or black beans for a full meal 🍚
- A fresh mango salsa for a sweet contrast 🥭
- A classic margarita to cool down the spice 🍹
These Beef Empanadas with Spicy Dipping Sauce are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, making them the perfect party appetizer or weeknight treat. Whether you bake or fry them, one thing is guaranteed—they’ll disappear fast!
