Heart-Healthy Empanada Beef

Savor the irresistible flavors of this "Heart-Healthy Empanada Beef" recipe, a wholesome twist on a beloved classic! Featuring lean ground beef, vibrant veggies like onion and red bell pepper, and a touch of natural sweetness from raisins, this filling is perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices such as cumin and paprika. Encased in whole wheat empanada dough and baked to golden perfection, these empanadas are both nutritious and indulgent. With a quick prep time and minimal cleanup, they’re ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner, snack, or party appetizer. Packed with protein, fiber, and heart-smart ingredients like olive oil, this recipe offers guilt-free comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Bake up these golden bites and enjoy a healthy upgrade to traditional empanadas!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 400 grams lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 12 disks whole wheat empanada dough
• 1 unit egg, beaten

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper, sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Increase heat to medium-high, add lean ground beef, cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce heat to medium, stir in ground cumin, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.

Step 6

Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and stir in the chopped cilantro and raisins, cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.

Step 7

Remove from heat and allow beef mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 8

Lay out whole wheat empanada dough disks. Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each disk.

Step 9

Brush edges of the dough with water, fold over to form a half-moon, press edges with a fork to seal.

Step 10

Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with beaten egg.

Step 11

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 12

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy empanadas!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1438.5 grams (1438.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2453

Total Fat 85.20g	109%
Saturated Fat 22.30g	112%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 433mg	144%
Sodium 3379mg	147%
Total Carbohydrate 288.80g	105%
Dietary Fiber 32.10g	115%
Total Sugars 42.30g
Protein 141.70g	283%

Vitamin D 40IU	200%
Calcium 247mg	19%
Iron 27mg	148%
Potassium 1540mg	33%

*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: 30.8%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 46.4%