Easy Beef Empanadas – A Family Favorite Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden empanada filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese. Easy Beef Empanadas are a simple and delicious way to bring a taste of Latin-inspired cuisine into your home. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering, or just a tasty snack, this empanadas recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Using pre-made pie crust simplifies the process.
• Family-Friendly – A fun recipe that kids and adults will love.
• Versatile – You can easily swap out the filling for chicken, vegetarian, or other variations.
• Great for Meal Prep – These empanadas store and reheat well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean recommended)
• 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

For the Dough:

• 1 package pre-made pie crust (2 rolls)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a cookie sheet with a baking mat, parchment paper, or lightly greased foil. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, cooking until the beef is fully browned, onions are translucent, and peppers are soft. Drain any excess fat.

3. Season the Filling

Add cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a small bowl or cookie cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles.

Re-roll leftover dough and cut additional circles until all dough is used. You should get about 8 empanadas in total.

5. Fill and Fold

Place a pie crust circle on the prepared baking sheet. Add 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling in the center and top with 1 tablespoon of cheese.

Fold the dough in half over the filling and press the edges together using a fork to seal.

6. Apply the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash for a golden, crispy finish.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Pair your empanadas with salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Empanadas

• For extra crispiness, bake at 375°F for a few extra minutes.
• For a flakier crust, use puff pastry instead of pie dough.
• Want a different filling? Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or make vegetarian empanadas with beans and cheese.
• Prefer fried empanadas? Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 3-4 minutes per side.

FAQs About Empanadas

Should empanadas be baked or fried?

Empanadas can be baked for a lighter option or fried for extra crispiness.

What’s a good substitute for empanada dough?

You can use puff pastry, pie crust, or even pizza dough as alternatives.

Why do my empanadas open when frying?

Make sure to press the edges firmly with a fork and chill the empanadas for 10 minutes before frying.

Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?

Yes! Pre-made pie crust, Goya empanada dough, or puff pastry work great.

What’s the best oil for frying empanadas?

Use vegetable oil or canola oil for frying to get a crispy texture.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love Easy Beef Empanadas, check out these related recipes:

• Mexican Birria Recipe – A flavorful slow-cooked beef dish that pairs well with empanadas.
• Beef Fried Rice Recipe – A quick and delicious way to enjoy seasoned beef in another dish.
• Teriyaki Ground Beef Recipe – A flavorful take on ground beef with a sweet and savory twist.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to see your Easy Beef Empanadas! Share your creations and tag me on Facebook. Let’s keep cooking together!

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