Savory Beef Empanadas for Your Next Gathering

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Savory Beef Empanadas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, bringing together a flaky, golden crust and a rich, savory filling that’s sure to satisfy. Perfect for parties, game day snacking, or simply indulging in comfort food, these empanadas are easy to make and even easier to devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These empanadas are not just delicious; they’re versatile and fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a snack, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

• Flavorful Filling: A savory blend of beef, spices, and aromatics.
• Perfectly Flaky Crust: Homemade dough that bakes to golden perfection.
• Easy to Share: Perfectly portioned for parties or casual snacking.
• Quick to Prepare: Whip these up in under an hour!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Savory Beef Empanadas

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up the meat.
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Take an empanada dough disc and place about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill.
7. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay closed while baking.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
9. Brush each empanada with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and flaky. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure to seal the empanadas well to prevent leakage during baking.
• If you have leftover filling, consider serving it as a dip with tortilla chips.
• Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Easy Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn.
• Add cheese to the beef filling for a cheesy twist.
• Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or chili powder to the beef mixture.

What to Serve With It

• A fresh avocado salad for a refreshing side.
• Spicy salsa or chimichurri sauce for dipping.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Recipe Card