Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
- 2 packages refrigerated pie crusts
4 crusts total
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion
finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 red bell pepper
diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
beaten
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°Fahrenheit.
- 2
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the bell pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Add the beef broth and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 5
Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter (or the rim of a drinking glass) to cut circles from the dough.
- 6
Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each circle. Top with shredded cheese.
- 7
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
- 8
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- 9
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- 10
Serve these delicious beef empanadas with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Enjoy!
Beef Empanadas
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 26 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a savory, crowd-pleasing snack that comes together with surprising ease? These beef empanadas are your answer, perfect for everything from casual family dinners to lively game day gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly sets these empanadas apart is their clever shortcut: using refrigerated pie crusts. This simple trick bypasses the time-consuming process of making dough from scratch, making these flavorful handheld pies quick and accessible. The robust filling of lean ground beef, finely diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper is seasoned with classic spices like ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring a deeply satisfying flavor in every bite.
What to Expect
Prepare for a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. You'll bite into a tender, flaky crust that encases a rich, savory beef filling, perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices. The optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, balancing the mellow sweetness of the bell pepper and the earthiness of the cumin. Melted shredded cheddar cheese weaves through the filling, adding a creamy, cheesy counterpoint that makes these empanadas utterly irresistible. They’re hearty enough to serve as a main course and perfectly sized for easy snacking.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this recipe to your preferences. For a different protein, consider swapping the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey, adjusting cooking times as needed. To boost the vegetable content, finely dice carrots or zucchini and add them to the beef mixture. If you prefer less heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper, or for more spice, increase the amount to your liking. Don't have cheddar? Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would be delicious.
Serving & Context
These beef empanadas are ideal for parties, game days, or any occasion where you need a delicious and easy-to-handle snack. Serve them warm on their own or alongside a simple dipping sauce like sour cream or salsa for an extra layer of flavor.