Few things compare to the comfort, crunch, and rich flavor packed inside a perfectly golden beef empanada, and this Beef Empanada Recipe is exactly the crowd-pleasing snack or meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Imagine savory ground beef, vibrant peppers, melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice, all wrapped in flaky pastry and served with cool guacamole on the side. Every bite is a fiesta, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share at your next get-together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Beef Empanada Recipe is simple and straightforward, but every ingredient pulls its weight for flavor and texture. From the beefy filling to the flaky crust, each component has a special role in creating irresistible empanadas.

Ground Beef: Brings hearty, meaty goodness and forms the base of the empanada filling.
Onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth to the savory mix.
Ground Cumin: Infuses the beef with warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in Latin dishes.
Chili Powder (or Chipotle Chili Powder): Gives a gentle kick and vibrant color; use chipotle for subtle smokiness.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
Diced Green Chiles: Delivers a mild, tangy heat that complements the beef beautifully.
Diced Pimento Peppers: Introduces sweet, roasted notes and pretty pops of color.
Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated, savory depth and a hint of tang.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or Mexican blend): Melts into the filling for creamy, cheesy richness.
Refrigerated Pie Crusts: These make assembly quick while ensuring irresistibly flaky empanadas.
Egg (whisked): Creates a beautiful golden sheen for that perfect bakery look.
HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole (for serving): Cool, creamy guac is the dream dipping companion to your spicy, crispy empanadas.

How to Make Beef Empanada Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat—this ensures the empanadas release easily and brown up beautifully on the bottom.

Step 2: Shape the Pastry Rounds

Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts onto a clean, flat surface. Using a 3-inch round pastry cutter (or even a rim of a glass), cut as many circles as you can. Don’t waste any dough! Ball up the scraps, roll them out, and keep cutting more rounds until you’ve used everything up.

Step 3: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high and crumble in the ground beef. Let it sizzle and brown, breaking it up into small pieces for about 3-4 minutes. Getting a bit of color here means even more flavor in your final empanadas.

Step 4: Mix in Vegetables and Spices

To the browned beef, toss in diced onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, green chiles, and pimento peppers. Sauté everything together for 2-3 minutes, just until the onions are soft and the spices are fragrant. This is where the magic—and the heart of this Beef Empanada Recipe—really starts to take shape!

Step 5: Finish the Filling with Tomato Paste & Cheese

Stir in your tomato paste until the mixture looks saucy and rich. Then, sprinkle in the shredded cheese off the heat so it melts gently without separating, creating that ooey-gooey texture everyone loves in a good empanada.

Step 6: Fill and Fold the Dough

Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each dough round. Try not to overfill—this makes sealing easier! Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges with a fork to seal securely. This step makes them look as irresistible as they taste.

Step 7: Assemble and Glaze

Arrange your filled empanadas in a single layer (not touching) on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with whisked egg—this is your secret weapon for a dazzling, shiny finish once baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until your empanadas are puffed and deliciously golden. The egg wash should help them shine and crisp up in all the right places.

Step 9: Cool & Serve with Guacamole

Let the empanadas rest for a few minutes; they’ll be piping hot out of the oven. Serve them with chilled HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole for dipping—that contrast of cheesy, spicy beef and creamy, cool avocado is simply out of this world.

How to Serve Beef Empanada Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your Beef Empanada Recipe platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a scattering of sliced green onions, or even some jalapeño rounds for a brighter, fresher look. A wedge of lime on the side is always welcome for that zesty pop.

Side Dishes

For a flavorful, satisfying meal, pair your empanadas with a zippy corn salad, a fresh tomato and cucumber salsa, or classic black beans and rice. Anything bright and refreshing will complement the empanadas’ rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving mini empanadas in a basket lined with colorful napkins for parties, or stack them on a big wooden board with bowls of different dips—think spicy salsa, sour cream, or extra guacamole. They also make fun appetizers at brunch buffets or game day gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their texture nicely for up to 3 days, and are easy to grab for quick snacks or packed lunches.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the filled and unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding just 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For best results, reheat empanadas in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy crust. Skip the microwave if you can—it makes the pastry chewy rather than flaky.

FAQs

Can I make the Beef Empanada Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the empanadas a day ahead, then keep them covered in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven right before guests arrive for warm, fresh-from-the-oven results every time.

What can I use instead of pie crust?

If you prefer homemade dough, you can make classic empanada pastry with flour, butter, and water. Store-bought puff pastry also works for extra flaky, buttery empanadas.

How spicy are these empanadas?

The chili powder and green chiles add gentle warmth, but the flavor profile isn’t overly hot. For extra heat, try adding minced jalapeño or use chipotle chili powder for smoky spice.

Can I substitute the beef for another protein?

Definitely—ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat all work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and keep the same method for filling and assembly.

Is HERDEZ™ Traditional Guacamole necessary?

While guacamole is my favorite dip for the Beef Empanada Recipe, you can serve them with any salsa, sour cream, or your own homemade guacamole. Don’t skip the dipping sauce; it elevates every bite!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fun, delicious way to bring people together, you simply have to try this Beef Empanada Recipe. Every bite is a burst of flavor that’ll have your family and friends reaching for seconds—so don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes!