🥟 Keto Ground Beef Empanadas – The Perfect Low-Carb Comfort Food
Meta Title: Keto Ground Beef Empanadas – Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Hand Pies
Meta Description: These Keto Ground Beef Empanadas are packed with flavor and wrapped in a grain-free almond flour dough. Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or low-carb dinners!
✨ Why These Keto Empanadas Deserve a Spot in Your Meal Plan
Forget takeout or traditional empanadas filled with carbs. These Keto Ground Beef Empanadas are your new go-to for guilt-free comfort food. Made with a low-carb, grain-free dough and packed with a savory beef filling, they’re flaky, satisfying, and 100% keto-friendly.
Whether you need a hearty appetizer, portable lunch, or freezer-friendly meal prep, these empanadas tick all the boxes—without kicking you out of ketosis.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Keto Dough:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp cold water
For the Savory Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
⏱ Quick Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 12 empanadas
👨🍳 How to Make Keto Ground Beef Empanadas
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together almond flour, coconut flour, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Add the cold butter, cutting it into the flour with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture is crumbly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water, then pour it into the flour mixture.
- Stir until a dough forms. If it’s too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Divide the dough in two, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
🍳 Step 2: Make the Beef Filling
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
- Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in fresh cilantro, then remove from heat and let cool.
🥟 Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8-inch thick.
- Use a glass or round cutter to make dough circles.
- Add a spoonful of the cooled beef mixture to one side of each circle.
- Fold over and press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for a classic look.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
🔥 Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
🍽 Nutrition Information (Per Empanada)
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredient brands.
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 12g
💡 Tips for Success
- Chill that dough! It makes it easier to handle and helps prevent sticking.
- Don’t overfill each empanada—use about 1 tablespoon of filling.
- Freeze-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze extras before baking.
- Brush with egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) before baking for a golden crust.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack with the beef.
- Chicken Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and taco seasoning instead.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked empanadas between layers of parchment paper for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Bake from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.
🥰 Why You’ll Love These Keto Empanadas
- Gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-compliant
- Loaded with bold Latin-inspired flavors
- Great for on-the-go lunches or party appetizers
- Family-approved—even for those not on keto!
📌 Save This Recipe for Later
- 📷 Snap a pic and tag @KetoKitchenHQ on Instagram
- 📌 Pin this recipe to your Keto Meals board
- 💬 Drop a comment below—What’s your favorite keto filling?
Final Thoughts
These Keto Ground Beef Empanadas deliver all the satisfaction of traditional empanadas without the carbs. With a flaky almond flour crust and bold, seasoned beef filling, they’re perfect for anyone following a low-carb, gluten-free, or ketogenic lifestyle. Bake a batch and see for yourself why these empanadas are a keto crowd-pleaser!