Brisket Empanadas with Creamy BBQ Sauce

Brisket Empanadas with Creamy BBQ Sauce

12 servings
Beef Brisket Empanadas are filled with leftover brisket, onions, garlic, Mexican seasonings, and served with a creamy BBQ sauce, making perfect finger food Appetizers!

Ingredients

  • butter
    2 tbsp
  • chopped onion
    ½ c
  • jalapenos

    seeded and diced

    2
  • minced garlic
    1 tbsp
  • leftover brisket

    chopped

    1 ½ c
  • bbq sauce
    3 tbsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • mexican oregano
    ½ tsp
  • cumin
    ½ tsp
  • store-bought pie crust or puff pastry dough
    1 package
  • egg

    beaten

    1
  • mexican cream or sour cream
    ¼ c
  • bbq sauce
    ¼ c
  • lime juice
    2 tsp
  • sriracha or other hot sauce
    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat the oven to 350°.

  2. 2

    Melt the butter in a large saute pan and cook the onion, jalapenos and garlic for 4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the brisket, BBQ sauce, and spices, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.

  4. 4

    Unroll the pastry dough and cut 4-inch circles.

  5. 5

    Place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the middle of the circle.

  6. 6

    Dip your finger in water and dampen the outer edge of the circle to help it seal.

  7. 7

    Fold the dough over and press to close. Seal the edge of the dough with a press or a fork.

  8. 8

    Mix the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash on the top of each empanada.

  9. 9

    Spray a pan with cooking spray and lay the empanadas on the pan.

  10. 10

    Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

  11. 11

    In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and serve with the empanadas.

Brisket Empanadas with Creamy BBQ Sauce

Brisket Empanadas with Creamy BBQ Sauce

40 min12 servings267 cal

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About this Recipe

Transform your leftover brisket into a delicious new meal with these incredible Brisket Empanadas, perfectly paired with a creamy, zesty BBQ sauce. These savory, handheld bites are the ultimate appetizer, making entertaining a breeze or simply elevating your weeknight snack.

Why These Brisket Empanadas Work

This recipe shines by giving new life to leftover brisket, turning it into a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth filling. The combination of savory brisket, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of Mexican seasonings like chili powder, Mexican oregano, and cumin creates a deeply satisfying taste. Plus, using store-bought pie crust or puff pastry makes assembling these empanadas incredibly easy, delivering a golden, flaky crust with minimal effort. The real showstopper is the creamy BBQ sauce, adding a tangy, slightly spicy counterpoint that completes every bite.

What to Expect

YouGet ready for a burst of savory, subtly spicy flavor wrapped in a wonderfully crisp and golden pastry shell. The filling is rich and meaty, infused with the warmth of chili powder and cumin, balanced by the gentle heat of diced jalapeños. Each empanada is perfectly portioned for easy enjoyment, offering a satisfying crunch followed by a tender, juicy interior. Dipped into the bright, tangy, and creamy BBQ sauce, these empanadas are a delightful experience for your taste buds, striking a fantastic balance of textures and flavors. They're designed to be the ultimate finger food, making them enjoyable for any gathering.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer jalapeños in the filling, or increasing the amount of sriracha in the creamy BBQ sauce for an extra kick. You have the flexibility to choose between a store-bought pie crust for a classic tender pastry or puff pastry for a lighter, flakier texture, depending on what you prefer. For a richer filling, you can add a touch more BBQ sauce directly into the brisket mixture.

Serving & Context

These Brisket Empanadas are designed as perfect finger food appetizers for any occasion, from casual game nights to festive gatherings. Serve them warm with extra creamy BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions