🥟 Keto Beef Empanadas

Low-carb, grain-free, cheesy dough filled with savory spiced beef.

🥩 Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (no sugar added)
  • Optional: 2 tbsp chopped green olives or fresh parsley

🧀 Dough Ingredients (Fathead Dough):

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 egg
  • Pinch of salt

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Cook until beef is browned and mixture is thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Make the Keto Dough (Fathead Dough)

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
    • Shredded mozzarella
    • Cream cheese
  2. Microwave for 60–90 seconds, stirring halfway, until fully melted.
  3. Add almond flour, salt, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead until smooth (wet hands help if sticky). Let rest 5–10 mins.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

  1. Divide dough into 8–10 balls.
  2. Roll each between 2 pieces of parchment paper into 4–5″ circles.
  3. Spoon ~2 tbsp beef mixture into the center of each circle.
  4. Fold over to form a half-moon shape, and seal edges by pressing with a fork.

4. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Optional: Brush with beaten egg for golden color.
  4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and firm.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with guacamole, sugar-free salsa, or sour cream.
  • Add a side salad for a complete meal.

⚖️ Nutritional Info (Per Empanada — approx. 8 servings):

  • Calories: ~250
  • Net Carbs: ~3–4g
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Protein: ~16g

(Will vary slightly with portion size and ingredients.)

🧊 Storage & Reheating:

  • Store in fridge up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.