Easy Beef Empanadas

These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delightful combination of flaky pie crust and seasoned ground beef, making them the perfect dinner choice for any night of the week. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up these tasty treats that are suitable for family dinners, parties, or even a fun snack. Their versatility and mouthwatering flavor make them stand out from traditional meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these empanadas are perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of spices and cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these empanadas as an appetizer, main dish, or a party snack. They can be customized with different fillings too!
• Kid-Friendly: These empanadas are not only delicious but also fun for kids to eat. They can even help in assembling them!
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare and freeze them ahead of time for quick meals later.

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Tools and Preparation

To make these Easy Beef Empanadas, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cookie sheet
• Baking mat or parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the beef and veggies evenly while allowing room for stirring.
• Cookie sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking the empanadas to perfection without sticking.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the pie crusts evenly, ensuring consistent thickness for great texture.

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 Dough

• 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 Assembly

• 1 egg

How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough when you’re ready to bake your empanadas.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

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

Step 3: Cook the Filling

In a large skillet:
1. Cook the ground beef along with diced onions and bell peppers until the beef is browned, onions are translucent, and peppers are soft.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Stir in cumin, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook this mixture for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Roll Out Pie Crusts

Roll out both pie crusts on a clean surface:
1. Use a bowl (similar in size to a cereal bowl) to trace circles onto each pie crust. You should get about three circles per crust.
2. Gather any leftover dough into a ball and roll it out again to cut more circles until all dough is used up (aiming for about eight total).

Step 5: Assemble Empanadas

For each circle:
1. Place it on your prepared cookie sheet.
2. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each circle.
3. Top with 1 tablespoon of cheese.
4. Fold over the circle in half to encase the filling and press down on the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 6: Bake Empanadas

Arrange all assembled empanadas on your cookie sheet:
1. Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over each empanada’s top.
2. Bake in your preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 7: Serve Your Delicious Empanadas

Once baked:
Remove them from the oven and serve warm with your favorite salads, salsas, or guacamole! Enjoy your Easy Beef Empanadas!

How to Serve Easy Beef Empanadas

These Easy Beef Empanadas are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can elevate your meal by pairing them with various sides and dips that complement their flavors.

With Fresh Salads

• Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices with lime juice provide a rich contrast to the savory empanadas.

With Dips

• Guacamole: This creamy dip pairs perfectly with beef empanadas for a delightful blend of flavors.
• Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa adds a zesty kick that balances the richness of the beef.

With Sides

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices complements the empanadas nicely.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your plate.

How to Perfect Easy Beef Empanadas

Perfecting your Easy Beef Empanadas can elevate this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your empanadas come out flawless every time.

• Use chilled pie crust: Keeping your pie crust cold helps achieve that flaky texture when baked.
• Don’t overfill: Use just enough filling to avoid bursting during baking; 2-3 tablespoons is ideal.
• Seal properly: Press edges firmly with a fork to prevent any filling from leaking out while they bake.
• Brush with egg wash: Brushing the tops with beaten egg gives a beautiful golden color and a nice sheen.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Beef Empanadas

When serving Easy Beef Empanadas, consider these side dishes to create a complete meal. They enhance the dining experience and complement the flavors of the empanadas beautifully.

1. Spanish Rice: This flavorful rice dish is seasoned with spices and pairs well with the savory beef.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing combination of black beans, corn, and bell peppers adds texture and flavor.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring brightness to your plate.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn with butter is always a crowd-pleaser alongside these empanadas.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish adds a bright flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips with salsa make for a fun snack or appetizer before your main meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Beef Empanadas can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold pie crust: Always let your pie crust come to room temperature before rolling it out. Cold dough can crack and be difficult to work with.
• Overfilling empanadas: Avoid adding too much filling, as this can cause the empanadas to burst open during baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling.
• Skipping egg wash: Don’t forget to brush the tops with an egg wash! This creates a golden and shiny finish that looks appetizing.
• Not preheating the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on your empanadas while they bake. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for a golden color around the 12-minute mark.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Beef Empanadas

• Freeze uncooked empanadas by placing them on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Beef Empanadas

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Beef Empanadas:

Can I use other types of meat?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor.

How do I know when my Easy Beef Empanadas are done?

They are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown color on top.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

What sauces pair well with Easy Beef Empanadas?

Delicious options include salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Are there vegetarian options for empanadas?

Yes! You can fill them with vegetables, cheese, or beans for a tasty vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Easy Beef Empanadas are not only quick and delicious but also highly versatile. Feel free to customize the filling based on what you have at home or your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a comforting dinner or as a party appetizer, these empanadas are sure to become a family favorite!