Sweet and Savory Beef and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Embark on a culinary adventure with these delightful sweet potato ground beef empanadas, a perfect fusion of savory and subtly sweet flavors. Crafted with a simple, homemade dough that bakes to golden perfection, these hand pies encase a rich, spiced sweet potato and ground beef filling that’s truly irresistible. And for the ultimate flavor boost, don’t forget to pair your warm, crispy empanadas with our vibrant, extraordinary green sauce – it’s a dip you’ll want to put on everything!

Effortlessly Delicious Sweet Potato Ground Beef Empanadas

Who says homemade has to be complicated? These ground beef empanadas are surprisingly simple to prepare, even with a scratch-made dough. You might be accustomed to store-bought pastry, but we promise, crafting your own empanada dough is a rewarding experience that adds an unparalleled freshness and texture to these delicious little morsels. The simplicity of our recipe ensures that even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results, making it an ideal weekend project or a fun family cooking activity.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility in cooking methods. Whether you prefer the crispy, golden finish of oven-baked empanadas or the speedy, even cooking of an air fryer, we’ve got you covered. Both methods yield wonderfully delicious results, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your kitchen and schedule. So get ready to impress your family and friends with these savory pockets of goodness!

Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor

Creating truly outstanding sweet potato ground beef empanadas starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our simple homemade dough. For the best texture – light, tender, and flaky – always use fresh, good-quality all-purpose flour. While whole wheat flours offer nutritional benefits, they tend to create a denser, tougher empanada, so stick to all-purpose for that classic, delicate pastry.
• Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant root vegetables bring a delightful sweetness, beautiful color, and fantastic texture to the filling. Any color of sweet potato will work, adding both a touch of natural sweetness and a healthy boost of vitamins and fiber to your empanadas. They provide a wonderful contrast to the savory beef.
• Ground Beef: The heart of our savory filling, ground beef provides a rich, umami depth that’s incredibly satisfying. Its robust flavor pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the warmth of the spices. You can choose a leaner ground beef for a lighter option or one with a slightly higher fat content for a more succulent filling.
• Aromatic Spices: Instead of a heavy sauce or excessive cheese, we rely on a carefully selected blend of spices to infuse our filling with incredible flavor. Simple yet powerful, our blend includes cumin for earthy warmth, paprika for a smoky depth, oregano for a hint of herbaceousness, along with salt and pepper to perfectly season the mix. These spices create a complex flavor profile that truly makes the filling stand out.
• The Irresistible Green Sauce: This isn’t just a dipping sauce; it’s an essential component that brightens and elevates the entire dish. Our homemade green sauce is a fresh, vibrant concoction of various herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint, balanced with zesty lime juice, tangy apple cider vinegar, and other delightful ingredients. It’s so versatile and flavorful, you’ll want to slather it on everything!

easy

green sauce

These empanadas are perfectly complemented by our easy-to-make green sauce, bursting with fresh flavors. We guarantee you’ll want to drizzle it on everything! Discover all the details and the full recipe for this incredible sauce in our dedicated post.

Make it!

Crafting Your Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these empanadas is a journey of simple, achievable steps that culminate in a truly spectacular dish. Follow this straightforward guide to create your own batch of savory, sweet, and perfectly spiced hand pies.

First, Whip Up the Fresh Green Sauce

Begin by preparing the star condiment: our incredible green sauce. Simply combine all the green sauce ingredients in a food processor and blend until you achieve your desired consistency. If the mixture seems too dry or isn’t blending smoothly, add a touch more olive oil or a tablespoon of water until it’s perfectly smooth and vibrant. Once blended, transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate it while you prepare the empanadas. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Next, Prepare the Tender Empanada Dough

Before you even think about the delicious filling, you’ll want to get your empanada dough ready. This dough requires a crucial 30-minute rest in the refrigerator, which helps it become pliable and easy to work with. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Then, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, mixing until the flour mixture starts to resemble coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, continually stirring until the mixture becomes very coarse and crumbly. Though it might feel crumbly, it should easily come together when pressed with your hands. Form the dough into a smooth disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is vital for a tender, flaky crust.

Then, Craft the Flavorful Filling

While your dough is chilling, it’s time to create the savory heart of your empanadas. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, drain any excess fat, then stir in half of the pre-mixed spice blend and the minced garlic, allowing the aromas to bloom. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet, leaving any flavorful drippings behind. Add a little extra oil if needed, then sauté the diced sweet potatoes with the remaining spice mixture in the same skillet until they are tender but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. Finally, return the ground beef to the skillet, stir in the minced white onion, fresh cilantro, and apple cider vinegar, tossing everything to combine the rich, balanced flavors. Set this delicious filling aside to cool slightly.

Time to Assemble Your Empanadas

Don’t be intimidated by assembling the empanadas; it’s a fun and creative process!

Once your dough has rested and your filling is ready, it’s assembly time. Divide the chilled dough disk into 8 equal triangles. Roll each triangle into a smooth ball, then place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin, roughly 4-inch diameter circle. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef and sweet potato mixture into the center of each dough circle. Dip your finger in a small bowl of water and moisten the outer edge of one half of the dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then firmly press the edges together to seal completely. You can use your fingers to crimp the edges or a fork for a decorative finish and extra security against the filling escaping during cooking.

Finally, Cook Your Empanadas to Golden Perfection

Now for the exciting part – cooking your beautifully assembled empanadas!

Air Fryer Instructions: For a quick and incredibly crispy result, preheat your air fryer to 400℉ (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place 2-4 empanadas in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush each empanada with a bit of olive oil for extra crispiness and golden color. Air fry for 3 minutes, then carefully flip the empanadas and continue frying for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer times can vary.

Baking Instructions: If you prefer the traditional oven method, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange the empanadas in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Brush each empanada generously with olive oil using a pastry brush – this helps achieve that beautiful golden crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the crust is wonderfully golden brown and flaky. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven.

Expert Tips for Perfect Empanadas Every Time

Achieving perfect empanadas is simpler than you might think. Here are some essential tips to guide you:

Don’t Panic if Your Dough Seems Crumbly! Homemade dough can sometimes be a bit finicky, but our empanada dough recipe is incredibly forgiving. If, after mixing, your dough doesn’t quite stick together when you try to form it into a disk, don’t worry! Simply add an additional teaspoon of cold water to the mixture, knead it briefly, and try to shape it again. Repeat this process, adding water sparingly, until the dough comes together beautifully. The goal is a cohesive, yet not sticky, dough.

Customize Your Filling to Your Heart’s Content. We’ve designed this sweet potato and ground beef filling to be flavorful and satisfying with its simple spice blend. However, the beauty of empanadas lies in their adaptability! Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients you love. Consider diced bell peppers, corn, peas, or a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness. Adjust the spice levels to your preference – a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño can add a welcome kick!

Ensure a Secure Seal for Best Results. A well-sealed empanada is a happy empanada! To prevent your delicious filling from escaping during cooking, thoroughly moisten the outer edges of the dough with water before folding it over. Then, press firmly with your fingers or crimp with a fork to create a tight seal. This step is crucial for maintaining the empanada’s shape and keeping all those flavorful ingredients neatly tucked inside, ensuring a perfect bite every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Empanadas

Proper Storage for Leftover Empanadas

To keep your delicious empanadas fresh, allow them to cool completely to room temperature after cooking. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, consider placing a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep the crust crispier. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their delightful texture.

Freezing Instructions for Make-Ahead Meals

Empanadas are fantastic for freezing, making them an excellent choice for future quick meals. To freeze, individually wrap each cooled empanada in parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe storage bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw! Simply reheat them directly from frozen following either the air fryer or baking instructions provided above. The cooking times will remain the same, ensuring a perfectly warm and crispy empanada whenever hunger strikes.

5 from 5 votes

Sweet Potato Ground Beef Empanadas

These sweet potato ground beef empanadas are an easy at-home meal to make with the whole family. They are made with homemade dough, an easy ground beef filling, and served with a green sauce.

By: Linley Hanson

Prep: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 2 hours hrs

Servings: 8

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Ingredients 

Green Sauce

• ▢ 2 cups cilantro, packed
• ▢ 1 cup fresh parsley
• ▢ 10 fresh mint leaves
• ▢ 4 green onions, ends trimmed
• ▢ 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• ▢ 1 teaspoon honey
• ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ▢ 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• ▢ 2 tablespoons mayo
• ▢ 5 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ ½ teaspoon coarse salt

Empanada Dough

• ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup cold water

Empanada Filling

• ▢ 1 teaspoons ground cumin
• ▢ ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground oregano
• ▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoons coarse salt
• ▢ ½ – lb. ground beef
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil, separated
• ▢ 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes
• ▢ ½ small white onion, minced
• ▢ ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced
• ▢ 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions 

• Make Green sauce: Place all of the ingredients for the sauce into a food processor and pulse until combined. Add the sauce into a bowl and place the sauce in the refrigerator for later.
  
• Make Empanada Dough: Add the all purpose flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil to a large bowl and mix together. It should start to look a little crumbly.
  
• Next, start adding the cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring it until it becomes very coarse and crumbly.
  
• Shape the dough into a disk and tightly cover the dough with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  
• While the dough is in the refrigerator, prepare the empanada filling: Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and salt to a small bowl and mix. Set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the beef up with a spatula into small pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the beef and toss. Finally, add half of the spice mixture to the ground beef and mix again. Cook the beef until just fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
  
• Remove the skillet from the heat and use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef and place it in a separate bowl. Leave the beef drippings in the bottom of the skillet.
• Add ½ tablespoon of oil to the skillet (or more, depending how much beef drippings there is) and place back over medium/high heat. Add the sweet potato to the skillet and toss with the oil. Add the rest of the spices to the sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked but not mushy.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and add the ground beef to the sweet potatoes and toss the two ingredients together. Add the white onion, cilantro, and apple cider vinegar to the ground beef and toss together until combined. Set aside.
• Assemble empanadas: After the dough has rested, cut the disk into 8 triangles. Roll those triangles into balls and then place them on a floured surface. Roll out each ball of dough into a circle with a rolling pin, roughly 4 inches.
  
• Place 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture into the center of the empanada. Dip your finger into some water and trace it along the outside of one half of the empanada. Fold the dough over the filling and squeeze the edges together to seal completely.
• Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400℉. Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and place 2-4 empanadas in the basket. Brush each empanada with oil using a pastry brush. Fry for 3 minutes, flip and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes.
• Baking Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400ºF and place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each empanada with oil using a pastry brush. Bake the empanadas for 10 minutes. Flip the empanadas and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove the empanadas and serve with the herb sauce.
  

Tips & Notes

• The sauce is supposed to be a bit chunky.
• If you want the beef mixture to be spicy, use a hot sauce instead of apple cider vinegar.
• The air fried empanadas may not be golden brown depending on what oil you use.
• Freezer Instructions: To freeze the empanadas wrap them individually in parchment paper and store in a freezer storage bag. To reheat from frozen follow steps 6 or 7. Cooking times are the same.

Watch It

Nutrition

Calories: 423 kcal, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 10 g, Fat: 28 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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