Mini Beef Empanadas: 7 Steps to Savory Perfection

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Let’s be real for a second. We’ve all had those nights where we wish a five-course meal would magically appear on our table, but all we can muster is a sad slice of cold pizza. But wait! Today is different. Enter the glorious world of mini beef empanadas. They’re bite-sized, delicious, and the perfect excuse to eat something that sounds fancy without the fuss. Plus, they come together faster than you can say "what’s for dinner?"

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s get straight to the point. This recipe is awesome for a few reasons. First, it’s super simple. I mean, if I can make it without burning down the kitchen, you totally can too. Secondly, they are highly snackable—which is a fancy way of saying you won’t be able to eat just one. Seriously, prepare for a mini empanada feast. You might even want to hide some from your friends and family, or else you’ll have to share… and who wants to share their food, right?

And the best part? You can customize these bad boys to your heart’s content. Want to throw in some cheese or veggies? Go for it. This recipe may sound like a roundabout way of saying “mix and match,” but trust me; it’s a game-changer. Get your taste buds ready for some serious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s get this party started! Here’s the glorious list of ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, there are no wild or weird items here—just some good old-fashioned flavors.

1 pound ground beef: Because, let’s face it, what’s an empanada without some meaty goodness?
1 onion, chopped: Not just for flavor, but also to convince yourself you are being healthy.
2 cloves garlic, minced: The secret to making everything taste like a million bucks.
1 teaspoon cumin: For that warm, earthy flavor that says "I know what I’m doing in the kitchen."
1 teaspoon paprika: For a little kick—I recommend it for the drama.
Salt and pepper to taste: Because everything needs seasoning. Seriously.
1 package empanada dough discs: Yes, you can totally cheat with these. Ain’t nobody got time to make dough from scratch.
1 egg, beaten: This is for that glistening finish because we all love a good golden hue.

Now you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to channel your inner chef? Here’s how to whip these little cheesy delights together in just a few steps. Let’s go!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is like the warm-up before a workout, except you’re not breaking a sweat (unless you’re feverishly rushing to gather ingredients).
In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until soft. Get that aroma going—trust me, your kitchen is about to smell like heaven.
Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and rejoicing in its savory glory. Get in there and break it up as you go.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool. Seriously, because molten beef filling is not ideal for your mouth. We want delicious, not a trip to the ER because you couldn’t wait a minute.
Take an empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Don’t overstuff unless you’re prepared for the filling explosion. Spoiler: You won’t impress anyone with a filling explosion.
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork. Channel your inner child and make sure you’re creating a cute little pocket of happiness.
Brush the tops with beaten egg. This is your moment to shine; it is going to make them look dazzling.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them because no one likes a burnt empanada, not even your worst enemy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now that you’re basically an empanada-making guru, let’s make sure you avoid some classic blunders. Trust me, you do not want these rookie mistakes ruining your culinary masterpiece.

Thinking you don’t need to preheat the oven. Rookie mistake. This is not optional; your empanadas deserve some love from a properly heated oven.
Over-stuffing the empanadas. More filling does not equal better empanadas. You actually want them to seal properly and not burst like a balloon at a kid’s birthday party.
Skipping the egg wash. Seriously, skipping this step is like wearing pajamas to a wedding. You want them to look good and not just taste good.
Not letting the meat mixture cool. Hot filling = burnt tongue. Do you really want to start your culinary journey with a trip to the ice pack?

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling a little adventurous? Here’s where you can make it your own.

Ground beef: Swap it for ground turkey if you’re feeling a bit lighter. Or even go veggie with lentils or mushrooms.
Spices: Don’t have cumin? Use taco seasoning instead. Honestly, no one is going to question your choices.
Empanada dough: You could use puff pastry, but keep in mind that it will be flakier, and you might find yourself trying to catch flying bits of dough.
Egg wash: If you’re vegan, consider using plant-based milk instead. Seriously, no one will judge you.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Just butter it up.

What if I burn my tongue? Welcome to the club. Consider it a rite of passage in the culinary world. Next time, blow on it first.

Can I freeze these little beauties? You sure can. Assemble them and freeze, then bake from frozen. Genius, right?

How do I know when they’re done? Golden brown is the magic color. No one likes a lifeless-looking empanada, am I right?

Can I use leftover taco meat? Absolutely. If it’s got flavor, we want it in an empanada. Your leftovers are about to achieve a new level of deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it, friend. Mini beef empanadas are not just a treat; they’re your ticket to snack attack heaven. So, gather your ingredients, play your favorite tunes, and have a blast in the kitchen. Who knew cooking could be so low-key fun? Enjoy every crunchy, savory bite!