Savory Beef and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these incredible sweet potato ground beef empanadas! Crafted with a simple, tender homemade dough and brimming with a deliciously spiced sweet potato and ground beef filling, these savory pastries are an absolute delight. But don’t stop there – dipping each golden empanada into our vibrant, irresistible green sauce is an essential part of the experience that truly elevates this dish.

Super Easy Sweet Potato Ground Beef Empanadas for Any Occasion

Creating these ground beef empanadas at home is far simpler than you might imagine, making them a fantastic project for any home cook, from novice to experienced. What makes this recipe truly special is our straightforward homemade dough – a crucial element that contributes to the empanadas’ tender interior and wonderfully crispy exterior. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can craft these delightful little pockets of flavor right in your own kitchen.

One of the many benefits of this recipe is its flexibility in cooking methods. Whether you prefer the classic crispness achieved in the oven or the quick convenience of an air fryer, both techniques yield delicious results. This versatility means you can enjoy these savory treats with minimal fuss, fitting them into your meal prep or last-minute dinner plans with ease.

Essential Ingredients for Your Empanadas

Crafting these delicious empanadas requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our simple, yet effective homemade dough. Using fresh, good-quality all-purpose flour ensures a tender and pliable dough that’s easy to work with and bakes up beautifully. Avoid using whole wheat flour for this recipe, as it can result in a tougher or denser empanada texture.
• Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant tubers bring a wonderful natural sweetness, creamy texture, and a boost of nutrition to the savory ground beef filling. Any color of sweet potato will work perfectly, adding depth and balance to the robust flavors.
• Ground Beef: The star of the savory filling, ground beef provides a rich, hearty, and satisfying base. Its robust flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and aromatic spices, creating a truly comforting experience. Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent excessive greasiness.
• Aromatic Spices: Instead of relying on heavy sauces or cheeses, our empanada filling shines through a thoughtful blend of classic spices. Cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a touch of salt and pepper create a warm, earthy, and incredibly flavorful profile that perfectly complements the beef and sweet potato.
• Fresh Herbs & Aromatics: White onion, cilantro, and minced garlic infuse the filling with fresh, pungent notes that brighten every bite. These ingredients are crucial for adding layers of complexity and freshness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar in the filling provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the beef and balances the sweetness of the potatoes, adding a professional touch to the flavor profile.
• The Unforgettable Green Sauce: This extraordinary dipping sauce is a game-changer! It’s a vibrant blend of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and mint, combined with garlic, green onions, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, a hint of honey, and a creamy base of Greek yogurt and mayo, all emulsified with olive oil. It’s incredibly fresh, tangy, and addictive – perfect for dipping these empanadas and much more! You can find the full recipe for our amazing green sauce here.

EASY & VERSATILE

The Perfect Green Sauce

These savory empanadas find their perfect partner in our incredibly easy-to-make, flavor-packed green sauce. It’s so delicious, you’ll want to slather it on practically everything! Dive into our dedicated post for all the details on this versatile, herb-infused condiment.

Get the Recipe!

Crafting Your Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Irresistible Green Sauce

Begin by gathering all the fresh ingredients for your green sauce. Place the cilantro, parsley, mint leaves, green onions, peeled garlic cloves, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, and coarse salt into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency – a slightly chunky texture is often preferred for a fresh, rustic feel. If the mixture seems too dry or isn’t blending smoothly, add a tiny bit more olive oil or a tablespoon of water to help it along. Once blended, transfer the vibrant green sauce to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate while you prepare the empanadas. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Master Your Homemade Empanada Dough

The secret to a truly outstanding empanada often lies in its dough. Before you even start cooking the filling, prepare this simple dough, as it requires at least 30 minutes to rest in the refrigerator. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture takes on a coarse, crumbly texture. Next, gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously. The dough will still appear somewhat crumbly, but when you press it with your hands, it should come together and hold its shape. Form the dough into a smooth disk, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes; this resting period is crucial for developing the dough’s elasticity and making it easier to roll.

3. Cook the Flavorful Filling

While your empanada dough chills in the refrigerator, turn your attention to preparing the rich and savory filling. In a small bowl, combine all the spices for the filling: cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder, along with a teaspoon of coarse salt. Set this spice blend aside. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula into small pieces. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it begins to brown, then add the minced garlic and toss. Now, incorporate half of your prepared spice mixture into the ground beef, mixing well to ensure even distribution. Continue to cook the beef until it is fully browned and cooked through, usually about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked ground beef from the skillet and place it in a separate bowl, leaving any rendered drippings in the pan.

Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil (or more, if there isn’t enough beef drippings) to the skillet. Introduce the diced sweet potato cubes and toss them with the oil. Sprinkle the remaining half of the spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potato is tender-crisp but not mushy. Remove the skillet from the heat. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Add the minced white onion, fresh minced cilantro, and apple cider vinegar. Toss all the ingredients together until thoroughly combined, ensuring the flavors are well distributed. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.

4. Assemble Your Delicious Empanadas

Don’t be intimidated by the assembly process – it’s quite simple and can even be a lot of fun! Once your dough has rested, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Cut the disk of dough into 8 equal triangles. Roll each triangle into a smooth ball, then, using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a circular disc, approximately 4 inches in diameter. These will form the wrappers for your empanadas.

Place 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled sweet potato and ground beef mixture into the center of each dough circle. To ensure a tight seal, 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. Press the edges firmly together to seal, either with your fingers or by using the tines of a fork to create a decorative crimp. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling until all your empanadas are assembled.

5. Cook the Empanadas to Golden Perfection

Now for the exciting part – cooking your empanadas until they are beautifully golden and crispy!

Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place 2-4 empanadas in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each empanada with olive oil. Air fry for 3 minutes, then carefully flip them over. Continue to air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.

Baking Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops of each empanada with olive oil using a pastry brush. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the empanadas to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and the crust is crisp. The total baking time will be approximately 25 minutes.

Once cooked, remove the empanadas and serve immediately with the chilled green herb sauce. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Empanadas

Achieving perfect empanadas every time is easy with these helpful tips:

• Don’t Panic if the Dough Seems Crumbly: Our homemade empanada dough is remarkably forgiving. If, after mixing, it appears too crumbly to form a disk, simply add another teaspoon of cold water, mix, and try again. Repeat as needed, adding water gradually until the dough just comes together when pressed. The key is cold water and minimal handling.
• Customize Your Filling: While our sweet potato and ground beef filling is wonderfully balanced and spiced, feel free to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Consider adding finely diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or even a touch of cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar) to the filling. Just ensure any added vegetables are cooked and drained of excess moisture.
• Ensure a Secure Seal: A properly sealed empanada is essential to prevent the delicious filling from escaping during cooking. Do not skip the step of wetting the outer edges of the dough with water before folding. Press firmly with your fingers, or for a classic look, use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges completely. A good seal ensures a juicy filling and a tidy pastry.
• Avoid Overfilling: It can be tempting to pack your empanadas with as much filling as possible, but overfilling can make them difficult to seal and prone to bursting. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons per empanada for best results, allowing enough space to properly fold and crimp the edges.
• Chilling the Dough is Non-Negotiable: The 30-minute resting period in the refrigerator allows the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough much easier to roll out without shrinking back. It also helps the fat in the dough firm up, contributing to a flakier crust. Don’t rush this step!

Frequently Asked Questions About Empanadas

Storage Instructions

To store leftover cooked empanadas, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best results when reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore their crispness.

Freezing Instructions

These empanadas are excellent for freezing! To freeze, arrange the cooked (or uncooked) empanadas on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Once solid, transfer the individual empanadas to a freezer-safe storage bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can follow the baking or air frying instructions (steps 11 or 12 in the recipe below), adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and crispy. No need to thaw beforehand!

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5 from 5 votes

Sweet Potato Ground Beef Empanadas

These sweet potato ground beef empanadas are a delightful and easy homemade meal perfect for the whole family. Featuring tender homemade dough, a savory spiced ground beef and sweet potato filling, they’re served best with our signature vibrant green sauce.

By: Linley Hanson

Prep: 1 hr 30 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Total: 2 hrs

Servings: 8

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Ingredients

For the 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

For the Empanada Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (separated: 1 tbsp for mixing, 1 tbsp for brushing)
• 1 cup cold water

For the Empanada Filling:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• ½ lb. ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil, separated (for cooking beef and sweet potato)
• 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

1. Make Green Sauce: Place all the ingredients for the green sauce (cilantro, parsley, mint, green onions, garlic cloves, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Greek yogurt, mayo, olive oil, salt) into a food processor. Pulse until combined, adding a bit more oil or water if needed to reach desired consistency. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate.
   
2. Make Empanada Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until crumbly.
   
3. Gradually add 1 cup cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly but holds shape when molded.
   
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
   
5. Prepare Empanada Filling: While dough chills, combine cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add minced garlic and half of the spice mixture. Cook until beef is fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
   
7. Remove beef with a slotted spoon to a separate bowl, leaving drippings in the skillet.
8. Add ½ tablespoon of oil (or more, if needed) to the skillet. Add diced sweet potato and remaining spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
9. Remove skillet from heat. Add cooked ground beef, white onion, cilantro, and apple cider vinegar to the sweet potatoes. Toss to combine. Set aside to cool.
10. Assemble Empanadas: On a floured surface, cut the rested dough disk into 8 triangles. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a 4-inch circle with a rolling pin.
    
11. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Moisten half of the dough edge with water. Fold dough over filling, press edges to seal completely (use a fork to crimp).
12. Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat air fryer to 400℉ (200°C). Spray basket with cooking spray. Place 2-4 empanadas in basket. Brush with oil. Fry for 3 minutes, flip, and fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
13. Baking Instructions: Preheat oven to 400ºF (200°C). Place empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with oil. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Remove empanadas from oven/air fryer and serve hot with the green herb sauce.
    

Tips & Notes

• The green sauce is intended to have a slightly chunky, rustic texture for maximum freshness.
• For a spicy kick in your beef mixture, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of, or in addition to, the apple cider vinegar.
• Air fried empanadas might not develop the exact same deep golden-brown color as baked ones, depending on the type of oil used and your air fryer model, but they will still be wonderfully crispy.
• Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap individual cooked empanadas in parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen by following the baking or air frying steps, adding a few extra minutes to achieve desired warmth and crispness.

Nutrition

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

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