Description
These easy and delicious empanadas use egg roll wrappers for a crispy, golden crust. Filled with a flavorful beef mixture, they are perfect for a quick appetizer or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 egg roll wrappers (ensure they are fresh)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 bell pepper (any color, finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste, freshly ground is best)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash – optional)
- Small bowl of water (for sealing the edges)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
-
Sauté Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Add Seasonings and Sauce:
- Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
-
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Lay out one egg roll wrapper on a clean, flat surface.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of beef filling into the center.
-
Seal the Edges:
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water.
- Fold over to form a half-moon shape and press edges to seal.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.
-
Bake or Fry:
- Baking Option:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish (optional).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Frying Option:
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Baking Option:
-
Serve:
- Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add cheese to the filling for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for crispiness.
- Prep Time: PT15M
- Cook Time: CT20M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Latin-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~300mg
- Fat: ~14g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: ~35mg
Keywords: empanadas, easy dinner, egg roll wrapper, beef filling, crispy snack