Quick and Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe - 30 Min Meal

Craving a delicious and authentic Latin American treat? Look no further than these quick and easy beef empanadas! They are made with a flaky pie crust and a savory ground beef filling. This 30-minute recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Empanadas are loved for their half-moon shape and irresistible flavors. They originated from the Galicia region of Spain in the 1520s.

These homemade beef empanadas are easy to make. You just need store-bought pie dough and a simple ground beef filling. With just a few ingredients like chunky salsa, garlic, and shredded cheese, you can make a batch in no time. This recipe is great for family dinners or meal-prepping for the week.

Key Takeaways

Quick and easy 30-minute recipe for homemade beef empanadas
Uses store-bought pie crust for a flaky and convenient crust
Savory ground beef filling with chunky salsa, garlic, and shredded cheese
Perfect for weeknight meals, appetizers, or meal prepping
Empanadas are a beloved Latin American pastry with Spanish origins

Introduction to Traditional Empanadas

Empanadas are loved pastries from Galicia and Latin America. They have a deep cultural meaning that goes back centuries. Starting in the Galicia region of Spain in 1520, these tasty “pocket foods” are now a favorite everywhere in Latin America and the Philippines.

Origins and Cultural Significance

The word “empanada” comes from “empanar,” which means “to coat in bread.” Spanish colonists brought them to the Americas. Over time, each place made them their own, showing off the rich tastes of Latin American food.

What Makes Empanadas Special

Empanadas stand out for many reasons. They come in all sizes, from small snacks to big meals. You can fill them with everything from meats and veggies to fruits and cheeses. This makes them perfect for any time of day.

They’re also easy to hold, making them great for eating on the move. This makes them a convenient and tasty “pocket food.”

“Empanadas are a cultural touchstone, reflecting the diverse flavors and traditions of Latin America.”

Empanadas are more than just food. They’re a key part of Latin American cuisine. They’re a symbol of the area’s rich food history and traditions.

Why This 30-Minute Recipe Works

This quick meal is ideal for weeknight dinners. It takes just 30 minutes to make. The key to its quickness is the pre-made pie crust. It gives a flaky base without the effort of making dough from scratch.

The filling is a tasty mix of lean ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices. This mix makes the empanadas a hit with everyone. They’re great for family dinners or parties.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

“These empanadas are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re so quick and easy to make, but they still deliver on flavor and satisfaction.”

This quick meal recipe is a time-saver. It uses pre-made parts, so you can enjoy homemade empanadas fast. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinner cravings when you want something tasty and easy.

Essential Ingredients for Beef Empanadas

Making delicious beef empanadas needs the right ingredients. Start with lean ground beef for the tasty filling. Use pre-made pie crust for a quick, flaky shell. Add Mexican spices for that authentic taste.

Ground Beef Selection Tips

Choose lean ground beef, like 90% or 80% lean. This means less grease to drain. It makes your empanadas healthier and easier to handle.

Pie Crust Options and Alternatives

Pre-made pie crust saves time and gives a flaky texture. Or, make your own dough for a personal touch. The crust is where the beef filling shines.

Seasoning and Spices Guide

For true Mexican flavors, mix cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper into your beef. These spices add a bold, authentic taste. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and Mexican cheese for more flavor.

Ingredient	Amount
Lean Ground Beef	1.5 lbs
Pre-Made Pie Crust	2 sheets
Cumin	1 tbsp
Chili Powder	1 tbsp
Garlic Powder	1 tbsp
Salt	1 tbsp
Black Pepper	1 tbsp
Diced Onions	2 medium
Diced Bell Peppers	2
Shredded Mexican Cheese	2 cups
Egg (for brushing)	1

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make tasty lean ground beef empanadas. Use a flaky pre-made pie crust and the right Mexican spices.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make tasty beef empanadas, you need some key kitchen tools. A large skillet is crucial for cooking the beef filling. Also, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or non-stick foil helps the empanadas bake evenly.

For shaping the empanadas, a 3-inch round biscuit or cookie cutter is essential. It helps cut the dough into neat circles. A simple fork is great for sealing the empanada edges.

You’ll also need mixing bowls for making the dough and filling. Having a set of these bowls is important. Lastly, a pastry brush is useful for brushing the empanadas with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Kitchen Tool	Purpose
Large Skillet	Cooking the beef filling
Baking Sheet	Baking the empanadas
3-inch Round Cutter	Cutting the dough into circles
Fork	Sealing the empanada edges
Mixing Bowls	Preparing the dough and filling
Pastry Brush	Brushing the empanadas with egg wash

With these tools and equipment, you’re ready to make delicious beef empanadas at home.

Beef Empanadas Recipe

Get ready to enjoy the comforting taste of homemade beef empanadas! This recipe makes 6-8 flaky, savory pastries. They’re perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. The secret is the seasoned ground beef filling and the buttery, golden crust.

Ingredients for the Beef Filling:

¾ pound lean ground beef
½ cup diced yellow onion
4 cloves minced garlic
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (for a spicy kick)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup frozen peas (for added sweetness)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

For the Empanada Dough:

1 package (14 oz) pre-made pie crust
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef and cook the onion until it’s translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Then, stir in the jalapeño, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the frozen peas and shredded cheese, mixing well. Set the filling aside.

Unroll the pie crust and cut it into 4-inch rounds. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass. Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each round. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.

Serve the homemade beef empanadas warm. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings. Try chipotle tomatillo salsa, Mexican cream or sour cream, shredded cabbage, Cotija cheese, and pickled red onions.

Enjoy this quick and easy recipe for hearty, homemade beef empanadas. They’ll satisfy your cravings for a delicious, flaky crust and savory beef filling.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Ready to make delicious beef empanadas? Follow this easy guide. We’ll show you how to make the filling, put the pastries together, and bake them perfectly.

Preparing the Filling

First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s brown, about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain any extra fat.

Next, add 1 small diced yellow onion and 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft. Add 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper and 1/2 cup of frozen peas. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. Then, remove from heat and let cool a bit.

Assembling the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the pie crust dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Put a heaping tablespoon of the ground beef mixture in the center of each circle. Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, if you like.

Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking Instructions

Brush the tops of the empanadas with a beaten egg for a golden crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Serve the hot, flaky beef empanadas right away and enjoy!

Time-Saving Tips and Tricks

Making tasty beef empanadas can be easy with smart meal prep, quick assembly, and efficient cooking tips. Follow these tips to make your empanada-making faster and get delicious results quickly.

Use pre-made pie crust for quicker assembly. This saves time since you don’t have to make dough from scratch.
Make the filling ahead of time and chill it until you’re ready to assemble. This way, you can quickly fill and bake the empanadas.
Pre-cut the dough into circles and store them in the fridge until needed. This cuts down on dough-cutting time when assembling.
Use an assembly-line method for faster production. Have one person fill, another seal, and someone else bake.
Double the recipe and freeze the unbaked empanadas. This gives you a stash for future meals, saving time and effort.

With these meal prep, quick assembly, and efficient cooking strategies, you can enjoy homemade beef empanadas with little effort and lots of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

Freezer meals and meal prep are great for quick dinners. These beef empanadas are perfect for freezing and reheating. Here’s how to use your leftovers wisely:

Freezing Instructions

To freeze unbaked empanadas, put them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, move them to an airtight bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to bake, put the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until they’re golden.

Reheating Guidelines

For cooked empanadas, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust flaky and prevents drying out.

These beef empanadas are versatile and delicious. They’re perfect for freezer meals or leftovers. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy homemade empanadas whenever you want!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When serving these tasty beef empanadas, the possibilities are endless! You can enhance your dish with a variety of dipping sauces, side dishes, and flavors that highlight the rich Mexican cuisine.

Begin by offering different dipping sauces for your guests to enjoy. HERDEZ Traditional Guacamole, salsa, or a zesty cilantro lime dressing are great picks. They bring out the flavors of the fillings beautifully.

To complete the meal, pair the empanadas with classic Mexican rice, a cool spinach strawberry salad, or the beloved esquites (Mexican corn salad). For a sweet finish, try rice pudding or strawberry shortcake cups.

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, letting you mix and match flavors and cultures. Whether you stick to traditional fillings or try something new, these tasty treats will surely impress. They’re perfect for satisfying your cravings for Mexican cuisine.

“Empanadas are the perfect canvas for endless culinary creativity, allowing you to explore a world of flavors in every bite.”

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Empanadas are incredibly versatile. This beef empanada recipe is a classic, but you can try many other fillings. You can use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even for a different taste. Vegetarians can enjoy a bean and vegetable filling.

For those who love sweets, there’s a whole world of sweet empanadas. Imagine a warm, flaky crust with gooey chocolate or sweet fruits inside. The choices are endless!

Chicken empanadas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a delicious alternative.
Vegetarian options: Experiment with bean-based or roasted vegetable fillings for a meatless delight.
Sweet empanadas: Indulge in fruity or chocolate-filled empanadas for a dessert-like treat.

Don’t be afraid to mix up the cheese. Try cheddar and mozzarella, or add crumbled feta or queso fresco. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper.

Empanadas can be made to fit any taste or diet. Let your creativity shine and discover all the amazing things you can do with this versatile dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Making perfect beef empanadas is a fun challenge. With a few tips, you can get the sealing and crust just right. Let’s look at how to stop filling leaks and make sure your empanadas are perfect every time.

Preventing Filling Leaks

Filling leaks are a common problem with empanadas. To fix this, focus on sealing well. Press the dough edges with a fork to seal tightly. Don’t overfill, as this can cause leaks.

Also, place parchment paper under the empanadas while baking. This catches any leaks.

Achieving Perfect Golden Crust

For a golden, crisp crust, brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking. This gives them a nice sheen and color. Make sure to apply the egg wash evenly to avoid dripping.

If the empanadas brown too fast, cover them with foil. This stops them from getting too dark.

Getting your empanadas sealed and golden is all about paying attention to detail. With a few tweaks to your sealing and baking, you’ll have perfect beef empanadas soon. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Nutritional Information and Dietary Notes

These tasty beef empanadas are not just a treat but also a nutritious choice. Each empanada has about 409 calories, 24g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, and 29g of protein. They’re perfect as part of a balanced meal with fresh veggies or a crisp salad.

The high protein content in these empanadas helps you feel full and satisfied. They’re great for those watching their calories. The mix of savory ground beef, spices, and flaky pastry is a delightful taste experience.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)	Value
Calories	409
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	73mg
Sodium	327mg
Total Carbohydrates	17g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	29g

Enjoying these beef empanadas as part of a balanced meal is a smart choice. They offer a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats for energy and wellness. Remember, it’s all about balance and moderation in your diet.

Conclusion

This quick and easy beef empanadas recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It’s also great for entertaining. The flaky crust and savory ground beef filling make it a family favorite.

The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. This makes it perfect for many occasions.

Looking for a comforting dinner or want to impress guests? This easy empanadas recipe is the answer. It’s simple to make and ready in no time. So, why not try it out?

Embrace the flavors of Latin America with this versatile recipe. It’s sure to please your taste buds.

Success comes from using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to detail. Follow the instructions carefully. You’ll get perfectly baked, golden-brown empanadas that everyone will love. Bon appétit!

FAQ

What are the key features of this quick and easy beef empanadas recipe?

This recipe uses pre-made pie crust for a flaky texture. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights. The filling is a mix of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices.

What are the origins and cultural significance of empanadas?

Empanadas started in Galicia, Spain in 1520. They’re a big deal in Latin American and Filipino food. The name “empanada” comes from “empanar,” meaning to coat with bread.

What makes empanadas a special and versatile dish?

Empanadas come in all sizes and can be filled with sweet or savory stuff. They’re great for snacks or meals. They’re loved in many cultures.

What are the key ingredients for this beef empanadas recipe?

You’ll need pre-made pie crust, lean ground beef, onions, and bell peppers. Don’t forget spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Also, Mexican blended cheese and an egg for brushing.

What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make these empanadas?

You’ll need a large skillet for the filling, a baking sheet for baking, and mixing bowls. A 3-inch round cutter for shaping, and a fork for sealing.

What are some time-saving tips and tricks for this beef empanadas recipe?

Make the filling ahead and chill it. Cut dough circles early. Use an assembly line for quick making. Double the recipe for later meals.

How can I make and store these empanadas for future use?

Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then bag them. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake frozen at 400°F for 30-35 minutes. Cooked ones can be chilled for a week and reheated in the oven.

What are some serving suggestions and pairings for these beef empanadas?

Serve with HERDEZ Traditional Guacamole, salsa, or cilantro lime dressing. Try with Mexican rice, spinach strawberry salad, or esquites. For dessert, rice pudding or strawberry shortcake cups are good.

What are some recipe variations and customizations I can try?

Try using chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef. Make vegetarian ones with beans and veggies. Mix different cheeses or add jalapeños for spice. Sweet empanadas with fruits or chocolate are also fun.