Empanadas rank high on my list of favorite handheld pies, and these Ground Beef Empanadas are a fresh take on a comforting classic. Using store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut keeps preparation quick without sacrificing flaky texture and flavor. If you need a fast, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy, this is a great option.
Ground Beef Empanadas
These empanadas pair familiar ground beef comfort with bold Mediterranean accents—crumbled feta and a mix of olives—wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. The result is approachable enough for picky eaters while still offering grown-up flavors. Puff pastry keeps the process fast, making this a reliable weeknight meal when time is limited.
Dinner time can be chaotic—especially when toddlers declare their loudest hour at 5pm—so recipes that come together quickly are lifesavers. These empanadas brown on the stovetop, then finish in the oven in about 15–20 minutes, letting you focus on plating, sides, or calming little ones while the oven does the finishing work.
If your family includes picky eaters, this format is especially useful: the savory beef base is familiar, while the addition of olives and feta introduces new tastes without overwhelming textures. The filling is tucked into a golden pastry pocket, which often helps reluctant tasters give new flavors a try.
Can I Make My Own Crust?
Yes—if you enjoy making pastry, homemade empanada dough or pie dough will work nicely. That said, store-bought puff pastry is an excellent shortcut and produces a flaky, restaurant-worthy result with minimal effort. Use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Greek-Inspired Ground Beef Empanadas
A quick shortcut dough encloses seasoned ground beef, olives, feta, and Greek-inspired seasoning for a kid-friendly appetizer or easy dinner. These empanadas are convenient, flavorful, and great for entertaining.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Greek-style seasoning (e.g., a Greek Freak blend or your preferred blend)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup chopped olives (a mix of black olives and kalamata works well)
- 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large frying pan over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and seasonings. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until the beef is well browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a bowl. Allow it to cool slightly, then stir in the chopped olives and crumbled feta until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- On a lightly floured surface, unfold a sheet of puff pastry and roll it out gently to enlarge it slightly. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut 3–4 inch circles from the pastry.
- Place a few heaping tablespoons of filling on one half of each pastry circle. Brush the edge with the egg wash, fold the pastry over, and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a neat finish. Brush the tops lightly with the remaining egg wash.
- Arrange the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Let the empanadas rest for a few minutes before serving. They’re excellent warm and pair well with a simple salad, tzatziki, or a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition Information (estimate)
Yield: 10 servings
Serving Size: 1 empanada
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 254 • Total Fat: 17g • Saturated Fat: 7g • Unsaturated Fat: 8g • Trans Fat: 0g • Cholesterol: 74mg • Sodium: 1067mg • Carbohydrates: 5g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 1g • Protein: 19g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you need precise values for medical reasons, consult a trusted nutrition resource.
Tips and Variations
- Substitute pie crust or homemade empanada dough if you prefer a different texture. Puff pastry gives especially flaky layers.
- For milder flavors, reduce the amount of olives or swap for green olives. Add a bit of chopped roasted red pepper for sweetness and color.
- These empanadas freeze well: freeze baked empanadas on a tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed container. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- To make these vegetarian, substitute cooked lentils or a plant-based ground “beef” and keep the same seasonings and fillings.
