This savory and satisfying recipe combines the fluffiness of crescent rolls with a flavorful beef filling, creating a Mexican-inspired empanada dinner that’s sure to impress. You might think it’s hard to cut back on calories when crescent rolls are your base, but with lean ground beef and a generous helping of veggies, this meal becomes both delicious and balanced. You can even swap out the beef for ground turkey to make it lighter!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80% lean)
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
- 1 egg
- Assorted veggies of your choice, cleaned and chopped (e.g., bell peppers, corn, or spinach)
Directions:
- Prepare the Beef Mixture
Spray a 10-inch skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped red onion, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, then drain excess liquid. - Season the Beef
Reduce the heat to low and stir in cumin, chili powder, and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. - Prepare the Dough
While the beef is simmering, unroll the crescent dough into one large rectangle on a flat surface. Press the perforated edges to seal the dough together. Using a 4-inch round cutter (or a glass), cut out 8 rounds of dough. - Assemble the Empanadas
Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each dough round. In two separate bowls, beat the egg yolk and egg whites. Brush the egg whites around the edges of each dough round to help them stick when folded. - Seal and Brush the Empanadas
Fold the dough over the beef mixture to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Lightly brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. - Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish the empanadas with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices. Serve warm and enjoy!
This easy beef empanada recipe is perfect for a family dinner, offering a flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish. You can also personalize the filling with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste.