Beef Empanadas with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• For the Beef Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef 🥩
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.25 cup green olives, chopped (optional for extra flavor)
• For the Empanadas:
• 12 empanada discs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Oil for frying (or bake/air-fry option)
• For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:
• 1 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes 🌶️
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lime juice 🍋

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Beef Filling
2. 2Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. 3Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3 minutes until soft.
4. 4Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. 5Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the beef until browned.
6. 6Stir in tomato sauce and olives, simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
7. 72️⃣ Assemble the Empanadas
8. 8Place 1-2 tbsp of beef filling in the center of each empanada disc.
9. 9Brush edges with beaten egg, fold into a half-moon, and press edges with a fork to seal.
10. 103️⃣ Cook the Empanadas
11. 11Frying Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry empanadas for 3 minutes per side until golden.
12. 12Air Fryer Method: Brush with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
13. 13Baking Method: Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes.
14. 144️⃣ Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce
15. 15Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
16. 16Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomato sauce, red pepper flakes, cumin, paprika, and salt.
17. 17Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in lime juice.
18. 185️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
19. 19Plate the crispy empanadas with a side of spicy tomato sauce for dipping.