Dairy-Free Classic Beef Empanadas

Savor the rich, savory flavors of Dairy-Free Classic Beef Empanadas, a delightful twist on a traditional favorite that's perfect for those avoiding dairy. These golden, crispy pastries are made with a tender, flaky dough crafted from vegetable shortening and filled with a mouthwatering mixture of seasoned ground beef, red bell peppers, briny green olives, and a hint of hard-boiled egg. Spiced with ground cumin, paprika, and oregano, these empanadas deliver a bold and satisfying bite every time. Brushed with soy milk for that perfect golden finish, they're entirely dairy-free yet irresistibly delicious. Ideal for appetizers, lunches, or on-the-go snacks, these empanadas are baked (not fried), making them a lighter yet indulgent choice. Perfectly portable and bursting with Latin-inspired flavors, they’ll be a hit at your next gathering!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 0.75 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 0.33 cup green olives, sliced
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy milk (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the vegetable shortening and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2

Slowly add cold water, a little at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in ground cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Add the chopped red bell pepper, sliced green olives, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles of dough using a 4-5 inch round cutter.

Step 9

Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.

Step 10

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and use a fork to seal the edges securely.

Step 11

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each empanada with soy milk to promote browning.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.

Step 13

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1596.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4975.6

Total Fat 369.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 102.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 507.1mg	0%
Sodium 6822.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 303.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 9.8g
Protein 124.7g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 348.0mg	0%
Iron 29.1mg	0%
Potassium 1964.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.0%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 24.1%