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Beef Picadillo Empanadas

Crispy fried pastry pockets filled with a savory sweet ground beef picadillo simmered with olives, raisins, and warm spices. Perfectly portioned as a hand-held snack or appetizer.

45 minMediumServes 5420 cal/serving

CubanAppetizerStovetopStandardNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup stuffed green olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 10 empanada dough discs
  • 2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon of 2 cups vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 1 diced yellow onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves until softened.

  2. 2

    Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup chopped stuffed green olives, 1/4 cup raisins, and 1 tsp ground cumin, then simmer until thick and ground beef reaches 160°F.

  4. 4

    Spoon picadillo filling onto each of the 10 empanada dough discs, fold in half, and seal edges with a fork.

  5. 5

    Heat remaining 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F and fry empanadas until golden brown on both sides.

Questions

How long does Beef Picadillo Empanadas keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Beef Picadillo Empanadas?

Yes. As written it serves 5. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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