Easy Beef Empanadas

Juicy, seasoned beef wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust, these empanadas are a handheld bite of pure comfort. With their golden-brown exterior and aromatic filling, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser for family dinners, parties, or a cozy snack.

Whether served fresh from the oven with chimichurri sauce or packed up for a picnic, these empanadas deliver bold Latin flavors in every bite. They’re easy to make, adaptable to your taste, and a delicious way to enjoy a homemade treat that’s just as good as your favorite street food vendor’s.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped

• 1/4 cup raisins (optional for sweetness)

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce

• 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts total)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

3. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 more minute until fragrant.

5. Add chopped olives, raisins (if using), and tomato sauce. Stir well and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

6. Roll out pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches), cut circles from the dough.

7. Place 1-2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape and crimp edges with a fork.

8. Place empanadas on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.

9. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. Serve warm, with chimichurri sauce or salsa on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 empanadas

The Ultimate Guide to Making Easy Beef Empanadas

Few foods manage to combine comfort, convenience, and rich cultural history the way empanadas do. These golden, handheld pastries have traveled the world, transforming slightly with each culture they visit, yet always keeping their essence: a flavorful filling tucked into a tender, flaky crust. Our Easy Beef Empanadas recipe takes inspiration from Latin American tradition while keeping the process simple enough for a weeknight dinner or a quick party appetizer.

Empanadas are more than just food, they’re a symbol of gatherings, celebrations, and the joy of sharing something delicious with the people you care about. They work equally well as a casual snack, a main dish, or a star at a holiday buffet. While the filling in this recipe features seasoned ground beef, the beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility; once you master the technique, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have in your pantry.

A Brief History of Empanadas

The word empanada comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread.” Empanadas are believed to have originated in Spain, particularly in the region of Galicia, where similar meat pies called empanadas gallegas were made with a large, shared crust. When Spanish explorers and settlers traveled to Latin America, they brought this culinary idea with them. Over time, the empanada evolved in each country, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

In Argentina, beef empanadas often include green olives and hard-boiled eggs, with variations depending on the region. In Colombia and Venezuela, corn-based dough is common, and fillings may include chicken, cheese, or even seafood. In the Philippines, empanadas were adapted with local seasonings, sometimes featuring sweet and savory pork fillings. This global journey has made empanadas one of the most beloved pastries worldwide.

Why This Beef Empanada Recipe Works So Well

Our Easy Beef Empanadas strike the perfect balance between authentic flavor and kitchen simplicity. While traditional dough recipes are delicious, using store-bought refrigerated pie crusts means you can whip these up in less than an hour without compromising on flakiness or taste. The filling, a combination of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, briny green olives, and (optionally) sweet raisins, delivers a satisfying contrast of flavors that’s a hallmark of classic empanadas.

We’ve carefully layered seasonings, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, to give depth without overwhelming the palate. Tomato sauce binds the filling together while adding just enough moisture to keep the meat tender. Brushing the pastry with egg wash ensures that golden, bakery-style finish.

Flavor Profile and Ingredient Breakdown

Ground Beef: The heart of the recipe. Opt for an 80/20 blend (80% lean meat, 20% fat) for the juiciest filling. The fat content enhances the richness and keeps the filling from drying out during baking.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base, releasing natural sweetness and depth as they cook.

Cumin: This warm, earthy spice gives empanadas their characteristic Latin American flair.

Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness that complements the beef without overpowering it.

Chili Powder: Optional, but it brings a mild heat and complexity.

Green Olives: Their salty, briny bite cuts through the richness of the beef.

Raisins: A traditional Argentine touch, adding a surprising but delightful hint of sweetness.

Tomato Sauce: Helps bind the filling while adding a tangy note.

Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Your shortcut to flaky perfection. These pre-made crusts save time but still bake up beautifully.

Egg Wash: This simple mix of beaten egg gives the empanadas their irresistible golden sheen.

Serving Suggestions

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, so you can serve them in multiple ways:

• As a Snack or Appetizer: Serve them warm with a selection of dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa roja, or a creamy garlic aioli.

• Main Course: Pair with a fresh side salad, black beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Party Platter: Make them bite-sized and arrange on a tray for guests to enjoy with cocktails or mocktails.

• Picnic Lunch: Empanadas taste great warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for outdoor gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas Every Time

1. Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the pastry to tear or leak while baking. Stick to 1–2 tablespoons per empanada.

2. Seal Well: Use a fork to crimp edges firmly, or fold and twist for a traditional repulgue (rope-like edge).

3. Chill Before Baking: If you have time, refrigerating assembled empanadas for 10–15 minutes before baking helps them hold their shape.

4. Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

5. Play with Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the technique, experiment with cheese, vegetables, or alternative proteins like chicken, turkey, or lentils.

Cultural Variations You Can Try

If you love culinary exploration, empanadas are a great canvas for experimenting with flavors from different cultures:

• Argentinian Style: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs and use more cumin and paprika.

• Chilean Style: Include diced potatoes in the filling.

• Filipino Style: Sweeten the filling slightly and use annatto for a vibrant orange dough.

• Spanish Galician Style: Make one large rectangular empanada and cut into slices for serving.

• Mexican Style: Use shredded beef and add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

Empanadas are great for meal prep because they store and reheat well.

• Refrigerator: Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

Nutritional Value

With around 280 calories per empanada, they offer a balance of protein, fats, and carbs. They’re satisfying enough to be a main meal yet portable enough for a snack. You can make them lighter by using leaner beef or ground turkey, and adding more vegetables to the filling.

Conclusion

Empanadas may have humble beginnings, but their flavor, convenience, and universal appeal have made them a global comfort food. Our Easy Beef Empanadas recipe keeps preparation simple without sacrificing the rich, layered flavors that make this dish so beloved. From the tender, savory filling to the perfectly flaky crust, each bite is a reminder of how food can bring people together, spark conversations, and create lasting memories.

Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family dinner, a holiday feast, or just because you crave something delicious, these empanadas deliver every time. Master this recipe once, and you’ll find endless ways to adapt and reinvent it, because great food is as much about creativity as it is about tradition.