Quick Beef Empanadas
Enjoy these crispy and cheesy beef empanadas made with a quick pie crust and a savory beef filling. Perfect for a 30-minute meal or a delightful appetizer.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Full Ingredient List
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 4 ounces diced green chiles
- 4 ounces diced pimento peppers
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Beef Filling
Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 pound | ground beef | ground turkey, ground chicken | |
| 1/4 | onion | diced | |
| 4 ounces | diced green chiles | ||
| 4 ounces | diced pimento peppers | ||
| 2 tablespoons | tomato paste | ||
| 1/2 cup | shredded sharp cheddar cheese | Mexican blend cheese | |
| 1/2 teaspoon | ground cumin | ||
| 1/2 teaspoon | chili powder | or chipotle chili powder | |
| 1/2 teaspoon | salt |
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. (Tips: Ensure the beef is thoroughly browned to avoid any raw meat in the empanadas.)
- Step 2: Stir in onions, cumin, chili powder, salt, green chiles, and pimento peppers. Saute for 2-3 minutes. (Tips: Mix well to ensure all flavors are combined.)
- Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, followed by the cheese. Remove from heat. (Tips: Adding cheese at the end prevents it from melting too much in the pan.)
Empanada Assembly
Tools and Equipment
- Biscuit cutter
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | refrigerated pie crusts | thawed | |
| 1 | egg | whisked | milk (for brushing) |
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet. (Tips: Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.)
- Step 2: Unroll pie crusts on a flat surface. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut circles from the dough. (Tips: Combine scraps to reroll and cut more circles to avoid waste.)
- Step 3: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each circle. (Tips: Do not overfill to prevent the empanadas from bursting.)
- Step 4: Fold dough over and use a fork to seal the curved edge. (Tips: Press firmly to prevent leakage during baking.)
- Step 5: Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and brush with egg wash. (Tips: Brushing with egg wash will give the empanadas a golden finish.)
- Step 6: Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving. (Tips: Serve warm for the best flavor.)
Additional Information
Notes: These empanadas can be prepared ahead and stored in the freezer. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time. Perfect for parties or snacks.