Easy Beef Empanadas

These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delicious and quick meal option that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these empanadas feature a flaky pie crust filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese. They are not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize the fillings to your liking. Serve them with your favorite salsa or guacamole for an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, these empanadas fit perfectly into any busy schedule.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and cheese creates a mouthwatering filling that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in different vegetables or meats to suit your taste preferences!
• Great for Meal Prep: These empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
• Fun for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party snack, these empanadas are always a hit!

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make these Easy Beef Empanadas, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing all your ingredients before starting will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick baking sheet
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick baking sheet: Prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal of the empanadas after baking.
• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the beef and vegetables evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients before filling the empanadas.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for your pie crust.

Ingredients

These Easy Beef Empanadas use flaky pie crust and ground beef to create the perfect dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes, they make a great weeknight meal!

For the Crust

• 1 package of pre-made pie crust (2 rolls)

For the Filling

• 1 pound of lean ground beef – I use 90% lean; however, 80% or less will work – just drain off the excess fat before continuing.
• 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 medium diced bell pepper, any color
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup Mexican blended cheese

For Brushing

• 1 egg

How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your empanadas bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Prepare a cookie sheet with a baking mat, non-stick foil, parchment paper, or oil. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet:
Cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Add diced onions and bell peppers; cook until onions are translucent and peppers are soft.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 4: Season Your Mixture

Add cumin, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder to the beef mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Roll Out Pie Crusts

Roll out both pie crusts on a clean surface:
Use a bowl similar in size to a cereal bowl to trace circles onto each pie crust.
You should be able to get about three circles per crust. A smaller bowl yields more circles.

Step 6: Cut Out More Circles

With leftover dough:
Mix together and roll out again.
Continue cutting circles until all dough is used; you should have about eight total.

Step 7: Fill the Empanadas

Lay one pie crust circle down on your prepared cookie sheet:
Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center of each circle.
Top with 1 tablespoon of cheese.

Step 8: Seal the Empanadas

Fold each pie crust circle in half:
Press edges down with a fork to seal securely.

Step 9: Arrange on Cookie Sheet

Repeat filling and sealing steps for all remaining empanadas:
Arrange them on the prepared cookie sheet without overlapping.

Step 10: Brush with Egg

In a small bowl:
Beat one egg.
Brush this egg wash over the top of each empanada for a golden finish.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake in preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes:
Look for tops that are golden brown before removing from oven.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from oven and serve warm:
Pair with your favorite salads, salsas, or guacamole!

How to Serve Easy Beef Empanadas

Easy Beef Empanadas are versatile and can be paired with various sides and dips to enhance your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of these delicious empanadas.

With Fresh Salads

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness.
• Cucumber Tomato Salad: This refreshing salad gives a crisp crunch that balances the richness of the empanadas.

With Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa with cilantro, lime, and onion for a zesty kick.
• Mango Salsa: A sweet and spicy mango salsa pairs beautifully with beef empanadas.

With Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances the flavor profile of the empanadas.
• Sour Cream: A classic condiment that adds creaminess and coolness to each bite.

With Drinks

• Horchata: A sweet rice milk drink that complements the savory meat filling.
• Mexican Soda: Choose a fruity soda for a fun and fizzy pairing.

How to Perfect Easy Beef Empanadas

Perfecting Easy Beef Empanadas is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices will elevate the flavor of your filling.
• Don’t overfill: Make sure to use just enough filling to avoid spills while baking.
• Seal well: Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring they stay closed during baking.
• Chill before baking: Refrigerating empanadas for 15 minutes helps them hold their shape while baking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences or add new ones like paprika or oregano.
• Serve warm: Enjoy your empanadas straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Beef Empanadas

Pairing side dishes with Easy Beef Empanadas can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices brings an authentic touch.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide a hearty addition that complements the empanadas perfectly.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime offers a sweet contrast.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a fun appetizer before the main dish.
5. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds color and nutrition.
6. Avocado Salad: Sliced avocados drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice bring creaminess that pairs well with beef flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Beef Empanadas, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the dough temperature: Using cold pie crust can make it difficult to work with. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.
• Overfilling the empanadas: Adding too much filling can lead to bursting during baking. Aim for 2-3 tablespoons of filling per empanada for the best results.
• Not sealing edges properly: Failing to press the edges firmly can cause leaks. Use a fork to crimp edges securely and ensure no filling escapes.
• Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives your empanadas a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip brushing them before baking for an appealing finish.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F. Baking at too high or too low a temperature can result in undercooked or burnt empanadas.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Beef Empanadas in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Beef Empanadas

• Allow baked empanadas to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Beef Empanadas

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but they may become soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Easy Beef Empanadas, here are some answers!

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.

How do I prevent my empanadas from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain any excess fat from the filling and don’t overfill your empanadas.

What sides go well with Easy Beef Empanadas?

These empanadas pair beautifully with salads, salsas, and guacamole for added flavor.

Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and either refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Easy Beef Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that everyone will love. They’re perfect for busy weeknights but also great for gatherings. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients!