Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe

This Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe is the perfect appetizer loaded with ground beef, melted cheese, and seasoned to perfection with homemade taco seasoning. The dish comes together quickly using Goya empanadas wrappers. This South American and Puerto Rican dish is perfect for any gathering, including Cinco de Mayo.

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This recipe was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated.

What are Empanadas?

If you have never enjoyed one, then you are in for a treat! This meat-filled pastry is one of my all-time favorites.

It’s a stuffed bread pastry that can be baked or fried. The name comes from the word empanar, a Spanish word, which means to wrap bread.

It’s made with a savory dough and then stuffed with meat, vegetables, or fruit. They are well known throughout Latin America, South America, Spain, Portugal, and areas surrounding the Caribbean like Puerto Rico.

Goya Wrappers

These are my favorite wrappers to use and the only ones I use for this recipe. I grab them from a local Mexican grocer. You can try calling local stores in your area. They will likely have a substitute brand you can check out.

How to Make Beef Empanadas

1. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions to the skillet. Cook until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Season the beef with the seasonings. Using a spatula, break up the beef into small pieces. Cook the beef until browned. Add cheese and stir until melted.
3. Lay the empanada wrappers on a flat surface. Dip a cooking brush in water. Glaze each of the empanada wrappers with the wet brush along the edges.
4. Load the ground beef mixture into each of the empanadas. Add 1 tablespoon of beef per empanada. Do not overstuff.
5. Close the empanadas. Use a fork to seal the empanadas along the edges by creating indents in the crust. Press the fork down into the crust along the edge of each.
6. Glaze each with an egg wash.
7. Bake or air fry.

What Can I Use if I Can’t Find Empanadas Wrappers?

You can substitute with puff pastry which can be found in the frozen or refrigerated aisles in the grocery store. The cook time will remain the same.

Other Filling Substitutes

• Shredded Beef
• Chicken
• Red Peppers
• Green Peppers
• Beans and Corn
• Olives
• Cooked Potato
• Cream Cheese
• Goat Cheese
• Apples
• Honey

How Long Will the Empanadas Last in the Fridge?

Store them in the fridge in an airtight container or sealable bag for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

To freeze the pastries, freeze them in an airtight container or sealable bag for 3-4 months. To reheat you can reheat them frozen.

Bake for 8-10 minutes on 350 degrees or until warm.

Air fry for 3-4 minutes on 350 degrees or until warm.

Can You Make This Dish Ahead of Time

Yes, the best way to do this is to freeze the empanadas and follow the guidance above for reheating.

Dipping Sauce Suggestions

Chipotle Mayo
Salsa
Salsa Verde

What to Serve With the Dish

Keto Taco Bowls
Instant Pot Barbacoa
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Keto Guacamole
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Instant Pot Black Beans
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

More Empanadas Recipes

Air Fryer Apple Empanadas
Shrimp and Red Pepper Empanadas