Few dishes are as universally crowd-pleasing as Easy Beef Empanadas: golden pastry pockets stuffed with a savory, aromatic filling that somehow manages to be both deeply comforting and deliciously exciting. These hand-held beauties are perfect for sharing, but even better for sneaking a couple for yourself! With a flaky crust and a spiced beef center, they bring the warmth of your favorite Latin American bakery right into your kitchen. Whether it’s a game day appetizer, a weeknight dinner, or a make-ahead snack, these Easy Beef Empanadas promise flavor and fun in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Easy Beef Empanadas is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Every item plays a vital role—building rich layers of flavor, a vibrant color palette, and that irresistible contrast between crisp crust and juicy filling.
- Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, flavorful foundation for your empanada filling—opt for 80/20 for the best texture and taste.
- Onion: Adds sweet depth and helps create an aromatic base that ties the filling together beautifully.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bring a savory punch and classic empanada essence.
- Red Bell Pepper: Lends a pop of color and subtle sweetness that balances the savoriness of the beef.
- Tomato Sauce: Enhances moisture and unifies the spices for a delectable, cohesive filling.
- Ground Cumin: Essential for that warm, earthy undertone typical in Latin American dishes.
- Smoked Paprika: Delivers a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous red hue—don’t skip this if you can help it!
- Chili Powder: Adds a mild heat; adjust to your preference if you like it spicier or milder.
- Ground Black Pepper: Gives the filling a touch of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavor in both the beef and vegetables—season to taste as you go.
- Fresh Cilantro: Brightens up the filling with a burst of herbal freshness right at the end.
- Refrigerated Pie Dough or Empanada Discs: Streamlines the process and delivers reliably flaky pastry every time.
- Egg (for wash): A quick brush leads to that beautiful, glossy, golden crust everyone craves.
- Oil for Sautéing: Helps soften your veggies and bloom the spices for the best possible flavor.
How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a good drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and red bell pepper, letting them soften and get fragrant—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. When those veggies become tender and start to shimmer, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute. These steps set the flavor stage for your Easy Beef Empanadas and make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef right into the skillet, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for that moment when there’s no pink left and everything is evenly browned. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off so your filling isn’t greasy—this is key for achieving perfect empanadas.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
To that beautiful beef and veggie base, stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it all bubble gently for about 5 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened and everything smells deeply savory. Just before pulling it off the heat, fold in the chopped fresh cilantro for that pop of color and freshness that makes Easy Beef Empanadas so special.
Step 4: Prep the Dough
If you have refrigerated pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4- to 5-inch circles (about the size of your palm). If you’re using empanada discs, well, you’re already ahead of the game! Letting the filling cool just slightly at this point will help make assembling the empanadas way easier.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling onto the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over the filling to create a tidy half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then crimp with a fork to seal—this classic touch keeps all that goodness inside during baking. Arrange each ready-to-bake empanada on a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Egg Wash for Shine
Whisk your egg and brush it generously over each empanada. This little step is what gives Easy Beef Empanadas that bakery-worthy golden brown gloss and satisfying crunch. Don’t skip it—you’ll love the final look!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until your empanadas are puffed and golden. Allow them to cool slightly (as tempting as they are straight from the oven) so you don’t burn your tongue with that piping hot filling.
How to Serve Easy Beef Empanadas
Garnishes
For that final touch, scatter extra chopped cilantro over the top or sprinkle with a dash of smoked paprika right before serving. A small bowl of chimichurri or fresh salsa on the side makes dipping irresistible and adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory filling.
Side Dishes
Easy Beef Empanadas are fantastic paired with a simple green salad, roasted corn, black beans, or even classic rice and beans. For parties, think snack platters with guacamole, salsa, and a crisp slaw to round out the meal and make every bite an occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these empanadas piled high on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment for a festive touch. Mini versions work like magic for a tapas night! Arrange with small flags or colorful napkins for extra flair at game-day gatherings or picnics—Easy Beef Empanadas steal the show anywhere you bring them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra empanadas (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature and pop them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Easy Beef Empanadas will stay tasty for up to 3 days—just long enough for lunchbox heroics or late-night cravings.
Freezing
One of my favorite things about Easy Beef Empanadas is how freezer-friendly they are. You can assemble them fully and freeze unbaked on a sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time—the pastry comes out just as crisp!
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture, reheat your empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The pastry refreshes beautifully this way. If you’re short on time, you can microwave them, but you’ll lose a bit of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein or make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well, and a mushroom or black bean filling is a delicious vegetarian twist. Just remember to adjust your seasonings to taste for the best Easy Beef Empanadas flavor spin.
Do I need to thaw frozen empanadas before baking?
Nope! Bake frozen empanadas straight from the freezer. Just add 5 to 7 minutes to the usual bake time and keep an eye on them for that perfect golden finish.
How should I seal empanadas if I don’t have a fork?
You can pinch and twist the edges by hand for a classic “repulgue” edge, or simply press with your fingers. The fork method is easiest, but as long as they’re sealed well, they’ll bake up beautifully!
Can I make Easy Beef Empanadas in advance for a party?
Definitely! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked empanadas for up to one day, or freeze them for longer storage. Bake just before serving for the ultimate fresh taste and flaky pastry.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Easy Beef Empanadas?
Chimichurri is a tangy, herby favorite, while fresh tomato salsa or a creamy avocado sauce are also delicious. Serve a couple options for a real flavor party!
Final Thoughts
If you love big flavor and dishes that bring people together, you have to try making Easy Beef Empanadas for your next gathering—or simply as a treat to yourself. With their appealing golden crust, delectable filling, and endless serving options, they’re sure to become a staple in your home. Happy baking (and even happier snacking)!
Print
Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delicious Latin American appetizer featuring a flavorful ground beef filling encased in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for parties or a fun snack!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Other:
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough or empanada discs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, spices, and cilantro.
- Assemble empanadas: Roll out dough, place filling in the center of each circle, fold over, and seal edges.
- Bake: Brush empanadas with egg wash, bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with chimichurri or salsa for dipping.
- You can freeze unbaked empanadas and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
