Let’s talk about these Easy Beef Empanadas—golden, flaky pockets filled with a savory beef filling that’s perfectly seasoned. These little handheld delights are like a hug in food form. Whether you’re enjoying them for a weeknight dinner, a quick snack, or bringing them to a party, they’re guaranteed to make your taste buds sing! Crispy on the outside and packed with a flavorful filling, these empanadas are comfort food with a little extra flair.
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Why You’ll Love Easy Beef Empanadas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a moment of joy with every bite. Here’s why these empanadas are a winner:
Versatile: You can serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a snack. They’re great for meal prepping, too!
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, these empanadas are a cost-effective way to enjoy something special without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, these empanadas come together quickly. You don’t need to be a pro to get them right—just follow the recipe and you’re good to go!
Customizable: Add your favorite spices or vegetables to the beef filling to make it your own. If you like a little heat, throw in some chili flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or having friends over, these empanadas are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to share, and everyone loves a good hand-held snack!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful beef empanadas:
Ground Beef
The heart of this dish! Ground beef provides the rich, savory flavor that’s perfectly seasoned and so satisfying.
Onion
For a bit of sweetness and depth, sautéed onions are a key part of the filling.
Garlic
A few cloves of garlic add the savory base that makes this filling so irresistible.
Spices
Cumin, paprika, and oregano combine to give these empanadas their delicious, warm flavor.
Olives
Green olives bring a briny, tangy kick that balances the richness of the beef.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Chopped hard-boiled eggs add a bit of texture and richness to the filling.
Empanada Dough
Use store-bought dough to keep things simple and save time. It’s flaky, buttery, and perfect for wrapping around the filling.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make these mouthwatering empanadas!
Cook the Beef Filling:
Start by heating a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the spices—cumin, paprika, and oregano—and mix well. Add the olives and chopped hard-boiled eggs, and give everything a good stir. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set the filling aside to cool.
Prepare the Dough:
Roll out the empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut the dough into circles. You’ll want to make them large enough to hold a generous spoonful of filling.
Assemble the Empanadas:
Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for extra flair and to ensure they stay sealed during baking.
Bake the Empanadas:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with a little egg wash (1 beaten egg). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them on their own or with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 250-300
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Easy Beef Empanadas
These empanadas are great on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complete the meal:
Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas.
Dips: Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Rice or Beans: These empanadas are great served alongside Spanish rice or black beans for a more filling meal.
Presentation: Serve the empanadas in a nice dish with a drizzle of your favorite dipping sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your empanadas even better:
Make Ahead: You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble the empanadas right before you’re ready to bake them.
Freeze for Later: Empanadas freeze well! Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen for an easy meal.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for a mixture of beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version of these empanadas.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the dough crispy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought filling instead of making my own?
A1: Yes! You can use store-bought taco meat or even leftover beef stew as the filling if you’re in a pinch.
Q2: Can I make empanadas with a different meat?
A2: Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or even ground turkey as a filling instead of beef.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these empanadas?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the assembled empanadas before baking. Once frozen, bake them straight from the freezer for a quick meal.
Q5: Can I make these empanadas with gluten-free dough?
A5: Yes, you can use gluten-free empanada dough or puff pastry as an alternative if needed.
Q6: How do I make the dough from scratch?
A6: You can make empanada dough by mixing flour, butter, salt, and water, then rolling it out to make your dough circles. However, store-bought dough saves time!
Q7: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A7: Yes! You can add diced bell peppers, spinach, or even corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q8: How do I know when the empanadas are done?
A8: The empanadas should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you’re unsure, break one open to check that the filling is hot and fully cooked.
Q9: Can I use a deep fryer instead of baking them?
A9: Yes! If you want a deep-fried version, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the empanadas until golden brown and crispy.
Q10: Can I make empanadas smaller for appetizers?
A10: Yes! Simply use smaller dough circles and a little less filling to make bite-sized empanadas perfect for appetizers.
Conclusion
These Easy Beef Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, savory, and totally delicious. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, you can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing recipe. Enjoy every golden, flaky bite!
Print
Easy Beef Empanadas
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 empanadas
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin
Description
These Beef Empanadas are perfectly flaky, cheesy, and filled with a savory, spiced beef mixture. Ideal as a snack or a full meal, they are a favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
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2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
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6 ounces 85% lean ground beef
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3 tablespoons minced shallot (about 1 shallot)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons water
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3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
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1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
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1 large egg, beaten
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1 package Empanada Dough-Puff Pastry for Baking, thawed but cold
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and set an oven rack in the middle position. Line a 13×18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cook filling: In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, shallot, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cook, stirring to break up the beef, until no longer pink, about 3 minutes. Add the water and cook for an additional minute. Transfer to a bowl and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
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Add cheese and cilantro: Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheese and minced cilantro.
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Assemble empanadas: Working with one piece of dough at a time, place 1½ tablespoons of filling in the center. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg and fold over to seal. Pinch and twist the edges to create a rope-like seal. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough and filling.
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Bake: Bake for
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15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Refrigerate: The empanadas can be assembled and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead of time before baking.
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Freeze before baking: Lay assembled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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Freeze after baking: Ensure the empanadas are fully cooled before freezing. To reheat, bake from frozen until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg