Crispy Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri

Flavorful beef empanadas, fried golden, with zesty chimichurri!

These crispy beef empanadas are a delightful appetizer or snack, featuring a savory ground beef and olive filling encased in a golden, fried pastry. Paired with a vibrant, fresh chimichurri sauce, they offer a burst of flavor and texture. This recipe is perfect for entertaining or as a satisfying treat for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 12-16 pre-made empanada discs (store-bought)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• FOR CHIMICHURRI:
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown ground beef. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion softens.
3. Stir in chopped olives and cilantro. Set aside to cool slightly.
4. For chimichurri: Combine all chimichurri ingredients in a bowl, mix well.
5. Spoon beef mixture onto empanada discs, moisten edges with water, fold and seal.
6. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry empanadas 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with fresh chimichurri sauce.

Nutrition

This recipe works out to about 428 calories per serving. For the full breakdown, protein, carbs, and fat included, save it in the Forkful app: nutrition is calculated automatically from the ingredient list.

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