Description

These Easy Beef Empanadas are a delicious handheld pastry filled with savory seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices, all wrapped in a flaky golden crust. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meal, these baked empanadas are simple to prepare and packed with bold flavor. They’re great for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 package refrigerated pie crusts or empanada dough
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Additions

1/4 cup chopped green olives
1/2 cup shredded cheese
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
Season the filling:
Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the beef is evenly seasoned.
Add tomato sauce:
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
Prepare the oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape the empanadas:
Roll out the pie crust or empanada dough and cut into circles about 4–5 inches in diameter.
Fill and seal:
Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Brush and bake:
Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the empanadas are golden brown.
Serve:
Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Allow the beef filling to cool before assembling the empanadas to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.Do not overfill the empanadas to keep them sealed during baking.For extra flavor, add olives, cheese, or fresh cilantro to the filling.Empanadas can also be fried in hot oil until golden and crispy.Serve with salsa, sour cream, chimichurri, or garlic dipping sauce.