By: Author staysnatched
Posted on - Last updated:
Categories Air Fryer, Appetizers, Beef, Side Dishes
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
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add garlic and onions to the skillet. Cook until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- Load the ground beef mixture into each of the empanadas. Add 1 tablespoon of beef per empanada. Do not overstuff.
- 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.
- Glaze each with an egg wash.
- 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 MayoSalsa
Salsa Verde
What to Serve With the Dish
Keto Taco BowlsInstant Pot BarbacoaAir Fryer Tortilla ChipsKeto GuacamoleShrimp Avocado SaladInstant Pot Black Beans
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
More Empanadas Recipes
Air Fryer Apple EmpanadasShrimp and Red Pepper Empanadas
Print Pin
4.98 from 36 votes
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.
Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch
Cuisine Argentinian, Latin American, South American
Keyword beef and cheese empanadas, beef empanadas
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
Servings 12 empanadas
Calories 261kcal
Author Brandi Crawford
Ingredients
- 12 Goya Empanadas wrappers thawed
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese shredded
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons water
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika I prefer smoked paprika.
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Empanadas
Heat a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onions to the skillet. Cook until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season the beef with the seasonings. Using a meat chopper, break up the beef into small pieces. Cook the beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
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. This will soften the crust and make it easier to roll.
Load the ground beef mixture into the middle of each of the empanadas. Add 1 tablespoon of beef per empanada. Do not overstuff. Flatten out the beef mixture with a spoon.
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.
Add an egg to a small bowl and whisk it along with 2 teaspoons of water.
Use a cooking brush and glaze the top of each empanada with the egg wash.
Oven and Baking Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Add the empanadas to a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow to cool before serving.
Air Fryer Instructions
Spritz the air fryer basket with oil or line with air fryer parchment paper.
Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket.
Air fry on 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until crisp.
Notes
- For the cheese I use a blend of Monterray Jack, Sharp Cheddar, and Queso Blanco.
- If you want really gooey, cheesey empanadas, you will need to add more cheese, consider doubling the amount of cheese.
- I often double this recipe for a crowd, the process photos above reflect doubling the recipe. Simply double every ingredient.
- You can substitute puff pastry if you can’t find empanadas wrappers.
- Instead of making your own seasoning, as directed in the recipe, you can purchase store-bought taco seasoning.
Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
Serving: 1empanada | Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 10g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
