Easy Beef Empanadas

These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delightful blend of flaky pie crust and savory ground beef, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for your next gathering, these empanadas fit the bill. They are not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavor that will please everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These empanadas come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Filling: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as vegetables or different cheeses.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze them for a convenient meal option later on.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and cheese creates a deliciously rich flavor that enhances the ground beef.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Easy Beef Empanadas, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Cookie sheet
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowl
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground beef evenly, ensuring that all ingredients blend well.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the pie crusts smoothly for uniform empanadas.
• Fork: Essential for sealing the edges of the empanadas to keep the filling secure during baking.

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 the Egg Wash

• 1 egg

How to Make Easy Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your empanadas bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

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

Step 3: Cook the Meat Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Cook the ground beef, onions, and bell pepper. Stir until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. The onions should become translucent and peppers soft.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add in the spices: cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pie Crusts

Roll out each pie crust on a floured surface. Using a bowl similar in size to a cereal bowl:
1. Trace circles onto each pie crust. You should be able to get about three circles per crust.
2. Gather leftover dough, mix it together, roll it out again, and cut out more circles until all dough is used (about eight total).

Step 5: Fill and Seal Empanadas

Lay one pie crust circle down on your prepared cookie sheet:
1. Add 2-3 tablespoons of meat filling in the center of each circle.
2. Top each with approximately 1 tablespoon of cheese.
3. Fold the circle in half over the filling and press down on edges with a fork to seal.

Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash

Arrange all empanadas on your cookie sheet:
1. In a small bowl, beat one egg.
2. Brush this egg wash over each empanada’s top for a beautiful golden color when baked.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Once removed from the oven, serve your Easy Beef Empanadas warm alongside salads, salsas, or guacamole for dipping!

How to Serve Easy Beef Empanadas

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

Fresh Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the empanadas.
• Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in lemon juice and dill offer a refreshing contrast to the savory filling.

Dips and Salsas

• Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances out the spices in the beef filling.
• Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made with tomatillos and cilantro adds a burst of flavor.
• Chipotle Sauce: For those who enjoy some heat, a smoky chipotle sauce pairs well with the empanadas.

Beverages

• Margaritas: A classic margarita enhances the Mexican theme and adds a festive touch to your meal.
• Horchata: This sweet rice drink cools down spicy flavors and makes for a delightful pairing.

How to Perfect Easy Beef Empanadas

Perfecting your Easy Beef Empanadas will take your cooking skills to the next level. Here are a few tips to ensure they come out delicious every time.

• Use cold pie crust: Keeping your pie crust cold prevents it from becoming too soft, ensuring flaky empanadas.
• Seal edges properly: Pressing down firmly on the edges with a fork helps keep the filling from leaking during baking.
• Experiment with seasonings: Don’t be afraid to add extra spices or herbs based on your taste preferences for more flavor.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on them while baking; remove them when they’re golden brown for that perfect texture.
• Let them cool before serving: Allowing empanadas to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the filling set slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Beef Empanadas

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Beef Empanadas can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement their flavors well.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices makes for a hearty side that balances the empanadas’ richness.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and make for a satisfyingly rich accompaniment.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and lime offers a delightful crunch alongside each bite of empanada.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice provides freshness and brightness.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies seasoned simply with salt and pepper bring color and nutrition to your plate.
6. Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an enjoyable appetizer or side dish option before diving into those empanadas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Beef Empanadas can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong pie crust: Always opt for a good quality pre-made pie crust. A tough or stale crust will ruin the texture of your empanadas.
• Overfilling: It’s tempting to add lots of filling, but too much can cause the empanadas to burst. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons per circle.
• Not sealing properly: Ensure that you press the edges well with a fork to avoid leaks during baking. This keeps the filling intact.
• Skipping egg wash: Brushing the tops with beaten egg gives them a beautiful golden color and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on your empanadas while baking. Ovens vary in heat, so check for a golden brown color instead of relying solely on time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Beef Empanadas

• Place uncooked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Beef Empanadas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but expect softer crusts.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Easy Beef Empanadas?

You can serve them with fresh salads, delicious salsas, or creamy guacamole for added flavor and texture.

How long do Easy Beef Empanadas take to cook?

These empanadas take about 12-15 minutes to bake at 350°F, making them a quick meal option.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just season it similarly.

Can I make Easy Beef Empanadas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

What are some variations of Easy Beef Empanadas?

Feel free to customize by adding different vegetables like corn or using various cheeses. You can also try different spices for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Beef Empanadas are not only delicious but also versatile. They make for an excellent weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Try adding spices or veggies that you love for an even tastier experience!