Simple & Savory Beef Empanadas

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delicious and easy Beef Empanadas! This recipe offers a delightful culinary journey, combining seasoned ground beef with luscious melted cheese, all encased in a perfectly crispy pastry shell. Using convenient Goya empanada wrappers, this dish comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal appetizer or meal for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a taste of authentic Latin American flavor, these empanadas are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will delight family and friends. Their savory goodness and satisfying texture make them an irresistible treat for any table.

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What are Empanadas? A Culinary Delight Explained

For those new to the world of empanadas, prepare for an exquisite culinary revelation! These delightful savory pastries are a staple in many cultures and consistently rank among my personal favorites. An empanada, at its heart, is a stuffed bread or pastry that can be either baked to a golden crisp or fried to a beautiful puffy texture. The name itself is derived from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which translates to “to wrap in bread,” perfectly describing the essence of this dish.

Empanadas boast a rich history and widespread popularity across various regions, including Spain, Portugal, and Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico. Each region often features its unique take on the dough and traditional fillings, ranging from spiced meats and cheeses to vegetables and even sweet fruit concoctions. The versatility of empanadas is what makes them so beloved; they can be enjoyed as a hearty meal, a satisfying snack, or a sophisticated appetizer, suitable for any time of day. Their portable nature made them popular with workers and travelers, and today they remain a comforting and universally cherished food item.

The Magic of Goya Wrappers for Effortless Empanadas

When it comes to crafting these easy beef empanadas, Goya empanada wrappers are an absolute game-changer. They are my go-to choice and the only wrappers I recommend for this specific recipe, thanks to their consistent quality and perfect texture. These disc-shaped dough wrappers save a significant amount of time and effort, allowing you to focus on creating a flavorful filling without the need for extensive dough preparation. Their carefully formulated dough is designed to bake or fry beautifully, delivering that authentic empanada experience with a perfectly crisp and tender shell.

You can typically find Goya empanada wrappers in the frozen food aisle of most large supermarkets, especially in stores with a strong international or Hispanic food section. Local Mexican grocers are also an excellent resource for these and other specialty ingredients. Goya offers various types of wrappers, including those specifically for frying (“discos para freir”) and those for baking (“discos para hornear”), so be sure to choose the one that suits your cooking method preference. If Goya isn’t available in your area, don’t fret! Many stores carry alternative brands of empanada discs or similar pastry dough that can serve as a suitable substitute. Just ensure they are thawed correctly before use for optimal pliability and easy handling.

How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these savory beef and cheese empanadas is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key lies in a well-seasoned filling and proper assembly to ensure a perfect pocket of deliciousness every time. Follow these simple, detailed steps to bring this delightful dish to life:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and chopped onions to the hot skillet, sautéing them until they become wonderfully fragrant and translucent, usually about 3-5 minutes. This crucial step lays the foundation for a rich, aromatic flavor base in your filling.
2. Brown the Beef and Season: Introduce the ground beef to the skillet with the softened aromatics. As the beef cooks, use a spatula or a dedicated meat chopper to break it into small, uniform pieces. This ensures an even distribution of meat in each empanada and helps prevent large clumps. Generously season the beef with your homemade taco seasoning blend (or a high-quality store-bought alternative) as it browns. Continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through and no pink remains.
3. Drain Excess Fat & Melt in the Cheese: Once the beef is thoroughly browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to prevent a greasy filling that could make your empanadas soggy. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese until it’s fully melted and wonderfully gooey. The melting cheese helps bind the filling together, adds an irresistible creaminess, and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Prep the Empanada Wrappers: Lay your thawed Goya empanada wrappers on a clean, flat working surface, such as a large cutting board or countertop. Dip a small cooking brush in water and lightly moisten the entire edge of each wrapper. This simple but effective trick softens the dough, making it significantly more pliable and easier to seal securely without cracking or breaking.
5. Fill with Precision: Place approximately one generous tablespoon of the prepared ground beef and cheese mixture into the very center of each empanada wrapper. It’s vital not to overstuff them, as this is a common mistake that can make sealing difficult and lead to leakage during cooking. Gently flatten the filling with the back of a spoon to create an even, compact layer, leaving a clear border around the edges.
6. Seal the Empanadas: Carefully fold one half of the wrapper over the filling to meet the other edge, forming a perfect half-moon shape. Press down firmly along the curved edge with your fingers to seal the two halves of the dough together. For an authentic look and an extra-secure seal, use the tines of a fork to create decorative indentations around the entire sealed edge. Press the fork down into the crust firmly along the perimeter of each empanada.
7. Apply an Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with two teaspoons of water to create a smooth egg wash. Use your cooking brush to lightly and evenly glaze the top of each assembled empanada with this mixture. The egg wash is essential for giving the empanadas a beautiful, glossy, golden-brown color and a slightly crisp finish when baked or air fried, enhancing their visual appeal and texture.
8. Bake or Air Fry: Your perfectly assembled empanadas are now ready for cooking! Choose your preferred method: traditional oven baking for a classic crispy texture or air frying for a quicker, equally delicious result with less oil. Specific instructions for both cooking methods are provided in the comprehensive recipe card below, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time.

What Can I Use if I Can’t Find Empanada Wrappers?

Finding authentic empanada wrappers can sometimes be a challenge, depending on your location or grocery store selection. But don’t let that deter you from making these delicious pastries! There are several excellent substitutes that work just as well, offering slightly different textures but delivering equally satisfying results. Each option provides a convenient way to enjoy empanadas without starting from scratch.

Puff Pastry: This is a fantastic and widely available alternative found in the frozen food aisle of most grocery stores. Puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier empanada with many delicate layers, offering a delightful contrast to the more traditional, dense dough. The cook time will remain largely the same as for Goya wrappers, but it’s important to keep a close eye on them as puff pastry can brown quickly. Thaw it completely according to package directions, then unroll it and use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circular discs before filling and sealing.

Refrigerated Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crust dough is another convenient and accessible option. It offers a slightly denser, more biscuit-like or tender texture than puff pastry, providing a comforting, familiar bite. Simply unroll the pie crust, cut out circles (you can usually get 4-6 per crust), fill with your savory beef mixture, and seal. Again, cooking times should be quite similar to the original recipe, but always watch for golden-brown perfection.

Homemade Empanada Dough: For the ambitious cook who enjoys a truly hands-on experience, making your own empanada dough from scratch provides the most control over texture, thickness, and flavor. While it certainly adds to the prep time, the reward is a truly bespoke empanada. Many recipes call for a simple blend of all-purpose flour, water, salt, and a fat source like butter or lard. This allows you to tailor the dough to be either more tender and soft or more robust and chewy, depending on your personal preference and the desired outcome for your empanadas.

Whichever wrapper you choose, always remember the crucial step of moistening the edges with a little water before sealing. This creates a stronger bond, ensuring a tight close that keeps all that delicious filling locked securely inside during cooking, preventing any messy leaks.

Other Delicious Filling Substitutes for Empanadas

The beauty of empanadas lies in their incredible versatility, making them a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. While our beef and cheese filling is undeniably delicious and a classic favorite, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with other ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some fantastic filling substitutes to inspire your next batch of empanadas, categorized for easy exploration:

Savory Meat Alternatives:

• Shredded Beef: Instead of ground beef, use slow-cooked, tender shredded beef (like barbacoa or ropa vieja) for a richer, more complex flavor and a wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken, seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices (think Mexican, Caribbean, or even Indian curried chicken), makes a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative. Try a zesty buffalo chicken with a hint of blue cheese, or a creamy chicken and vegetable blend with peas and carrots.
• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, sautéed shrimp with garlic, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime can create a vibrant and fresh-tasting empanada.

Vegetarian and Cheese Options:

• Red and Green Peppers: Sautéed bell peppers, especially when combined with onions, corn, and black beans, add a sweet, smoky, and vibrant crunch to your filling, making for a hearty vegetarian-friendly option.
• Beans and Corn: A robust and hearty mix of black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and a touch of chili powder offers a satisfying plant-based filling that’s both nutritious and delicious.
• Olives: Chopped green or black olives can add a briny, salty, and savory kick to almost any meat or vegetable filling, a common and beloved addition in many traditional Latin American recipes.
• Cooked Potato: Creamy mashed or finely diced cooked potatoes, especially when seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, and perhaps some crumbled cheese, create a wonderfully comforting and filling empanada.
• Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy, tangy, and rich note, blend some softened cream cheese into your savory fillings (think jalapeño popper style!) or use it as a delightful base for sweet dessert empanadas.
• Goat Cheese: A sophisticated choice, goat cheese adds a distinctive tangy and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or even sweet fillings like figs and honey.

Sweet Dessert Fillings:

• Apples: Switch gears to a delightful sweet treat! Diced apples, cooked down with cinnamon, brown sugar, a hint of nutmeg, and a pat of butter, make a wonderfully comforting dessert empanada, especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Honey: Perfect for enhancing sweet empanadas, a drizzle of honey can naturally sweeten fruit fillings or be combined with soft cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese for a decadent and slightly sticky dessert.
• Guava and Cheese: A classic Latin American sweet-and-savory combination, guava paste with cream cheese is simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ingredients to discover your new favorite combinations. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to customize your empanadas for any palate or occasion!

How Long Will Empanadas Last in the Fridge?

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness, flavor, and texture of your delicious beef empanadas for days after they’re cooked. Once your empanadas have completely cooled down to room temperature, which is essential to prevent condensation and sogginess, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator, ensuring they are well-sealed. When stored correctly, cooked empanadas will maintain their optimal freshness and delicious flavor for approximately 3-4 days. For the best taste and texture experience when reheating, opt for an oven or an air fryer instead of a microwave, as microwaving can sometimes result in a less crisp and more soggy crust.

Freezer Tips for Empanadas: Cooked and Uncooked

Empanadas are wonderfully freezer-friendly, making them an excellent choice for convenient meal prep, batch cooking, or simply having a quick and delicious appetizer on hand for unexpected guests. You have the flexibility to freeze them either after they are fully cooked or even when they are still uncooked.

Freezing Cooked Empanadas:
First, allow your freshly baked or air-fried empanadas to cool completely to room temperature. This step is vital to prevent ice crystals from forming. Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are completely solid. This flash-freezing step prevents them from sticking together. Once solid, transfer the frozen empanadas to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Stored this way, they will keep well in the freezer for 3-4 months without significant loss of quality.

Freezing Uncooked Empanadas:
Assemble the empanadas as directed in the recipe, including the filling, sealing, and crimping, but do not apply the egg wash or proceed with baking/air frying. Place the uncooked empanadas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, following the flash-freezing method mentioned above. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Uncooked frozen empanadas can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, you can bake or air fry them directly from frozen. Remember to apply the egg wash just before placing them in the oven or air fryer, and add a few extra minutes to the standard cooking time.

Reheating Frozen Empanadas:
Whether you’re reheating already cooked empanadas or baking them from their uncooked frozen state, both methods yield delicious results.

• Oven Reheating/Baking: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet. If they are already cooked, bake for 8-10 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and crisp. If they are uncooked, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is hot.
• Air Fryer Reheating/Baking: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the frozen empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it for even cooking. If already cooked, air fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp and hot. If uncooked, air fry for 10-15 minutes, checking periodically, until they are golden brown and crisp.

Can You Make Empanadas Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Empanadas are an excellent dish for making ahead, which is perfect for streamlining your cooking process, whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking to simplify weeknight meals. Their structure and ingredients lend themselves wonderfully to advance preparation, allowing you to enjoy fresh, hot empanadas with minimal last-minute effort.

There are a couple of highly effective strategies for making empanadas ahead of time:

1. Prepare the Filling in Advance: You can completely prepare the savory beef and cheese filling as described in the recipe. Once cooked, allow the filling to cool entirely before transferring it to an airtight container. This prepared filling can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble, simply take it out, fill your wrappers, and cook. This method significantly cuts down on active prep time on the day you plan to serve.
2. Freeze Assembled Empanadas (Uncooked or Cooked): The most comprehensive way to make empanadas ahead is by freezing them. As detailed in the “Freezer Tips” section, you can assemble the entire batch of empanadas, including the filling, sealing, and crimping (but without the egg wash for uncooked ones), and then flash-freeze them. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows you to pull out as many as you need, apply an egg wash (if uncooked), and bake or air fry them directly from frozen. This method ensures you have a delicious, homemade appetizer or meal ready with very little active preparation, making hosting or busy evenings a breeze.

By utilizing these make-ahead techniques, you can enjoy the deliciousness of homemade empanadas with unmatched convenience and flexibility.

Perfect Dipping Sauce Suggestions for Your Empanadas

While these savory beef empanadas are incredibly flavorful and delicious enough to stand on their own, pairing them with a complementary dipping sauce can elevate the entire eating experience to another level. A well-chosen sauce can add a refreshing contrast, a zesty kick, or a creamy counterpoint to the rich filling. Here are some fantastic suggestions to inspire your dipping pleasure:

• Chipotle Mayo: This is a highly recommended choice for its creamy texture, smoky depth, and mild spicy kick. The chipotle in adobo peppers infuse the mayonnaise with a complex flavor that perfectly complements the savory beef filling, adding an exciting and bold dimension.
• Salsa: A timeless and classic accompaniment, a fresh tomato salsa provides a bright, tangy, and sometimes spicy contrast to the richness of the empanadas. Whether you prefer a mild pico de gallo or a fiery habanero salsa, this option offers a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Salsa Verde: For a zesty and herbaceous option, salsa verde (green salsa) offers a refreshing alternative. Its vibrant tomatillo, cilantro, and sometimes jalapeño flavors provide a tangy and slightly acidic balance to the savory pastry.
• Guacamole: Creamy, rich guacamole, with its fresh avocado, zesty lime, aromatic cilantro, and sometimes a hint of onion and jalapeño, can add a cooling and decadent element. It’s a wonderful way to balance the spiced beef and offers a satisfying smoothness.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A simple dollop of cool sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can provide an excellent cooling and tangy counterpoint, especially if your empanadas lean towards the spicier side. You can also mix in some chopped chives or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Beef Empanadas

Beef empanadas are versatile enough to be served as a standalone appetizer, but they also make a fantastic centerpiece for a larger meal, especially when paired with complementary side dishes. Creating a full spread around your empanadas can enhance the dining experience and offer a variety of textures and flavors. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your delicious empanadas to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Keto Taco Bowls: For those looking for a healthier or low-carb option, serving deconstructed taco bowls alongside your empanadas can be a great way to expand the menu with a similar flavor profile.
• Instant Pot Barbacoa: If you’re hosting a feast and love meat, serving extra barbacoa can turn your appetizer spread into a hearty and satisfying main meal.
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A perfect crunchy accompaniment, homemade air fryer tortilla chips with your favorite salsa or queso add texture and another layer of classic Tex-Mex flavor.
• Keto Guacamole: Fresh, creamy, and flavorful guacamole is always a welcome addition, offering a cooling and rich contrast to the warm, savory empanadas.
• Shrimp Avocado Salad: A light and refreshing salad with vibrant ingredients can perfectly balance the richness of the empanadas, providing a fresh and zesty element to your meal.
• Instant Pot Black Beans: A classic and easy-to-make side dish that adds a wholesome, earthy flavor and a good source of fiber to your meal.
• Instant Pot Chicken Tacos: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, offering a variety of tacos alongside empanadas can cater to different tastes and preferences, creating a festive spread.
• Mexican Rice: A fragrant and flavorful side of Mexican red rice complements the empanadas beautifully, soaking up any delicious juices.
• Fresh Green Salad with Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette: A crisp green salad with a bright, tangy dressing can cut through the richness of the empanadas and add a refreshing, light component to your plate.

More Empanada Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these easy beef empanadas and are eager to explore more of what this versatile pastry has to offer, you’ll be thrilled to discover the endless possibilities. Expanding your empanada repertoire is both easy and rewarding, allowing you to cater to different cravings, seasons, or meal occasions. Each recipe brings a unique flavor profile and experience, proving that empanadas are truly a canvas for culinary creativity. Here are a couple more delightful empanada recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Air Fryer Apple Empanadas: A fantastic sweet option for those with a sweet tooth! These dessert empanadas feature a warm, tender, and spiced apple filling, encased in a crispy pastry. They are perfect for a delightful treat, a cozy dessert, or even a unique breakfast item. The air fryer method ensures a quick cook time and an irresistibly crispy exterior, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions.
• Shrimp and Red Pepper Cream Cheese Empanadas: For those who enjoy seafood and a touch of creamy richness, this recipe offers a sophisticated and incredibly flavorful filling. It combines succulent, tender shrimp with vibrant red peppers and luscious cream cheese, all seasoned to perfection. This makes for an elegant appetizer or a light meal that’s sure to impress.

These recipes demonstrate the wide range of flavors and applications for empanadas, from savory to sweet, and traditional to creative. Don’t hesitate to dive in and discover your next favorite!

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Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe

This Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe is the perfect appetizer loaded with ground beef, melted cheese, and seasoned to perfection with homemade taco seasoning. The dish comes together quickly using Goya empanada wrappers. This South American and Puerto Rican dish is perfect for any gathering, including Cinco de Mayo.

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Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Argentinian, Latin American, South American

Keyword: beef and cheese empanadas, beef empanadas

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 12 empanadas

Calories: 261 kcal per empanada

Author: Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

• 12 Goya Empanada wrappers, thawed
• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons water

Homemade Taco Seasoning

• ½ tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Empanada Assembly

1. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onions to the skillet. Cook until fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season the beef with the seasonings. Using a meat chopper, break up the beef into small pieces. Cook the beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
3. Lay the empanada wrappers on a flat surface. Dip a cooking brush in water. Glaze each of the empanada wrappers with the wet brush along the edges. This will soften the crust and make it easier to roll.
4. Load the ground beef mixture into the middle of each of the empanadas. Add 1 tablespoon of beef per empanada. Do not overstuff. Flatten out the beef mixture with a spoon.
5. Close the empanadas. Use a fork to seal the empanadas along the edges by creating indents in the crust. Press the fork down into the crust along the edge of each.
6. Add an egg to a small bowl and whisk it along with 2 teaspoons of water to create an egg wash.
7. Use a cooking brush and glaze the top of each empanada with the egg wash.

Oven and Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C).
2. Add the empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Air Fryer Instructions

1. Lightly spritz the air fryer basket with oil or line it with air fryer parchment paper.
2. Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
3. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until crisp and golden.

Notes

• For the cheese, I prefer a blend of Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar, and Queso Blanco for optimal flavor and melt.
• If you desire exceptionally gooey and cheesy empanadas, consider doubling the amount of shredded cheese in the filling.
• This recipe is easily scalable for larger crowds; simply double all ingredient quantities. The process photos above reflect a doubled recipe.
• Puff pastry or refrigerated pie crust can be substituted if Goya empanada wrappers are unavailable. Adjust cook time as needed, usually remaining similar.
• While a homemade seasoning blend is recommended for fresh flavor, store-bought taco seasoning can be used for convenience.

Recipe Tools Used in this Recipe

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Meat Chopper
• Parchment Paper
• Cosori Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1 empanada

Calories: 261 kcal

Carbohydrates: 31g

Protein: 11g

Fat: 10g

Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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