Easy Beef Empanadas

These Easy Beef Empanadas are the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. With their flaky pie crust and savory ground beef filling, they offer a delicious blend of flavor and texture. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them ideal for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy homemade goodness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These empanadas can be ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices with ground beef creates a delicious taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these empanadas with salads, salsas, or guacamole for a complete meal.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to the filling for a personal touch.
• Fun Finger Food: Great for parties or gatherings, these empanadas are easy to eat and share.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather all the necessary tools before you start. This ensures you have everything at your fingertips while preparing these Easy Beef Empanadas.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Fork
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for even baking and easy handling of empanadas.
• Skillet: Ideal for cooking the beef mixture evenly and quickly.
• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the pie crusts uniformly for consistent cooking.

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!

Dough

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

Filling

• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 medium diced bell pepper, any color
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup Mexican blended cheese

Topping

• 1 egg

How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your empanadas cook evenly when placed in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with a baking mat, non-stick foil, parchment paper, or lightly oiling it. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the ground beef, onions, and bell pepper. Stir until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
2. Drain any excess fat from the mixture.
3. Add in cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook for an additional two minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Roll Out Pie Crusts

Roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface. Using a bowl similar in size to a cereal bowl, trace circles onto each crust. Aim for about three circles per crust; you can mix leftover dough to make more circles as needed.

Step 5: Fill Empanadas

1. Place one pie crust circle on your prepared cookie sheet.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your beef filling into the center of each circle.
3. Top with one tablespoon of cheese.

Step 6: Seal Empanadas

Fold each pie crust circle in half over the filling:
– Press edges down with a fork to seal them properly.
– Repeat this process until all empanadas are assembled.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat one egg:
– Use a pastry brush to apply egg wash on top of each empanada for that golden finish.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Place your empanadas in the oven:
– Bake for 12-15 minutes until tops are golden brown.
– Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serve these Easy Beef Empanadas warm with salads, salsas, or guacamole for an amazing meal! Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Beef Empanadas

Easy Beef Empanadas are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just having a family dinner, these empanadas can be paired with various sides and dips to enhance their flavor.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Garden Salad – A light garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes complements the richness of the empanadas.
• Corn Salad – Sweet corn salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the savory filling perfectly.

Dips and Salsas

• Guacamole – Creamy guacamole brings a smooth texture that pairs well with the crispy empanada crust.
• Salsa Verde – This tangy salsa made from tomatillos adds a zesty kick that elevates each bite.

Beverages

• Margaritas – Classic margaritas offer a refreshing citrusy contrast to the hearty beef filling.
• Horchata – This sweet rice drink provides a delightful sweetness that complements the spices in the empanadas.

How to Perfect Easy Beef Empanadas

Perfecting your Easy Beef Empanadas is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips for achieving the best results.

• Use Cold Pie Crust – Keeping your pie crust cold helps create a flaky texture when baked.
• Don’t Overfill – Filling them too much can cause leaks; stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
• Seal Well – Ensure edges are pressed firmly with a fork to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.
• Brush with Egg Wash – Brushing the tops with egg gives them a beautiful golden color and shiny finish.
• Bake Until Golden – Keep an eye on them while baking; take them out when they are golden brown for the best flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Beef Empanadas

To enjoy your Easy Beef Empanadas fully, consider serving them with complementary side dishes. These sides will enhance your meal and provide variety.

1. Spanish Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes for an excellent base next to empanadas.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, making it a hearty meal.
3. Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and spices offers a sweet and savory combination.
4. Pico de Gallo – Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice create a refreshing topping or side dish.
5. Zucchini Fritters – Crispy fritters made from zucchini provide a light and crunchy contrast to the beef-filled pastries.
6. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy-to-make side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Easy Beef Empanadas even better.

• Ignoring the crust thickness: If your pie crust is too thick, your empanadas may turn out doughy and chewy. Roll it out to an even thickness for the best results.
• Overfilling the empanadas: Adding too much filling can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per empanada for perfect results.
• Not sealing properly: Failing to seal the edges well may lead to leaks. Use a fork to press down firmly on the edges and ensure a secure closure.
• Skipping egg wash: The egg wash gives the empanadas a beautiful golden color and shine. Don’t skip this step; brush each one generously before baking.
• Underestimating baking time: Cooking them for too short a time can result in a soggy crust. Keep an eye on them and bake until they are golden brown.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing Easy Beef Empanadas

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Place in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Easy Beef Empanadas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes; however, this may make the crust less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Beef Empanadas.

How do I make Easy Beef Empanadas from scratch?

You can use homemade dough instead of pre-made pie crust. Combine flour, salt, water, and butter to create your dough.

Can I customize the filling for Easy Beef Empanadas?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables, different meats, or cheese based on your preferences.

What dipping sauces go well with Easy Beef Empanadas?

Salsas, guacamole, or sour cream are excellent choices for dipping these savory treats.

Can I make Easy Beef Empanadas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking. Just remember to adjust baking times if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Easy Beef Empanadas are a delightful weeknight meal that combines flavor and convenience. They are versatile enough to customize with various fillings or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how quickly you can whip up these tasty treats!

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Easy Beef Empanadas

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 10 servings 1x

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Description

Easy Beef Empanadas are the ultimate solution for a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pie crust and savory ground beef filling, these empanadas bring a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your family and friends. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Customize them with your favorite vegetables or spices to make them uniquely yours. Serve warm with fresh salads, salsas, or guacamole, and enjoy these fun finger foods at your next party!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package of pre-made pie crust (2 rolls)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 medium diced bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup Mexican blended cheese
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, and bell pepper until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder; cook for another two minutes until fragrant.
4. Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into circles approximately the size of a cereal bowl.
5. Place circles on the baking sheet and fill each with 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture and one tablespoon of cheese.
6. Fold circles in half and seal edges with a fork.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 empanada (74g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg