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.
Table of Contents
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.
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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 Mayo
Salsa
Salsa Verde
What to Serve With the Dish
Keto Taco Bowls
Instant Pot Barbacoa
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Keto Guacamole
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Instant Pot Black Beans
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
More Empanadas Recipes
Air Fryer Apple Empanadas
Shrimp and Red Pepper Empanadas
Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 Goya Empanadas wrappers thawed
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese shredded
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons water
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ 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.
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I keep thinking that I need to figure out how to make empanadas- you made it look so easy!
Renee Gardner says
What a yummy looking empanada! Love the cheesy, beefy goodness!
Gillian Thompson says
These sound delicious and would be ideal for packed lunches. I must give them a try.
Janette@CulinaryGinger.com says
I love a beef empanada and the cheese just takes them to the next level.
Luci's Morsels says
These look amazing! What a fun and simple dinner idea or appetizer option. I love how easy and beautiful these are. Thank you for sharing!
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Beef and cheese in flaky empanada crust sounds wonderful - perfect pairing with that sangria - what a feast for that bridal shower!
Tara says
Sounds like quite the busy Saturday morning! These empanadas look incredible. I love that you included step by step photos.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
Having lived in South Florida (America's melting pot) for >20 years, I'm an avid fan of empanadas in all forms. These sound delicious!
Platter Talk says
I am with Sarah! I've never made empanadas but I adore them. In your close up photo, the crust appears to be so perfectly executed that I actually leaned into my screen for a whiff...
Veena Azmanov says
I love empanadas.. And Cheese is always my favorite. This recipe sounds so good. Can't wait to try.
christine says
Sounds like the perfect food for the shower. Love the video tutorial!
Melanie says
Perfect for a party because you can grab them and nibble away. The empanadas look delicious and easy to make, especially if you're using the pre-made wrappers.
Ashley says
How did you know I love empanadas? LOL Seriously though, I would eat the whole batch!!
Trisha says
These look delish! I love empanadas but I've never attempted to make my own. I also haven't had them with cheese! I will definitely be giving your recipe a try!
Liz Mays says
Oh these rock! I'd totally like to make some for my family. They're actually kind of fun!
Cristine says
Empanadas remind me of when I lived in Paraguay. It was my favorite meal. I try to recreate them at home often
Emily says
Oh wow, I really want to give these a try! They look so good, I love empanadas but I have never tried making them myself. I feel like I can make these happen.
Stephanie Jeannot says
My mom is a pro at makign these things. And they always taste so good. Thank you for the recipe. MAybe I will actually make it one day liek she does.
Anitra | The Mom on the Move says
Sounds delicious. I usually prefer set it and forget it type meals but I just may try this one!
Anonymous says
They were easy to make. I loved how they tasted.
staysnatched says
Perfect! I'm glad you enjoyed them. I love easy recipes that are delicious!
Barbara O'Keefe says
When do the peppers go in? How much filling per wrapper? Hope I can find these wrappers--that's always the tedious part of making these. Are they in refrigerated section?
staysnatched says
The peppers go in with the onions. I found the wrappers at a local Mexican grocery store in the frozen food section. I have also posted an Amazon link above. You can save yourself a trip and order them there as well!
Carissa says
@staysnatched,
I don’t see peppers in the recipe. I want to make these tomorrow and just making sure I have everything.
staysnatched says
There aren't any. If you want peppers add them with the onions.
PreciousOC says
Can you refrigerate or freeze them? How do you reheat?
staysnatched says
Reheat using the oven. I haven't tried refrigerating or freezing them. It should work out fine.
Jessica says
I've always been too intimidated to make these at home, but you've given me confidence. So cheesy!
Chrisy says
My husband and I LOVE a good homemade empanada but I've always been afraid to make them. Your pictures make them look so simple! Will totally be trying it this weekend 😀
Marsha Patrick says
Loved these from start to finish. Easy and even fun to make and they are so yummy! Love all the extra tips you provide. I accidentally overstuffed one and immediately knew it was why you said 1 tbl for filling. Had to learn the hard way but I got all the others right!
staysnatched says
I do the same thing every time! I get greedy.
Ma'Kayla D. says
This recipe is so easy to follow! The hardest part was sharing the finished product. You literally cannot mess it up. I tweaked the ingredients slightly and made a chicken version as well...SO GOOD!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Shannon says
Used this recipe to make steak and cheese empanadas. I used pastry dough, but still really good. It was like a meat pop tart...lol
Will be making more of your recipes soon!!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Mihaela says
They must be delicious and fast and easy to make. I just bought some ground beef and I would like to make them over the weekend. What can I replace the empanadas wrappers with as I don't think I can find them in the stores in my area?
staysnatched says
You can use egg roll wrappers and make them egg rolls or wontons.
jennifer robertson says
I am new to air fryer recipes and this one is awesome! We made it for Sunday dinner/snack and my family devoured them. Made 12 and I only got 2 Empanadas, there are only 3 of us!! We dipped them in greek yogurt and salsa. Definitely a keeper!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Kim Kelley says
Made these for dinner last night. They turned out perfect! Will definitely be making them again, yum!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Jennifer Robertson says
So I wanted to leave a review to say I should have made a double batch of these delicious pockets! We have never made Empanadas before so my nervous were a little crazy before even starting. Oh my, no reason to be nervous when making these, they are so easy (simple). So the next time I make them we are doubling the batch and maybe playing around with the other ingredients that Brandi mentions.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you found them to be easy!
Erin says
These were amazing! First recipe I made in my new Cosori air fryer. The instructions were super easy to follow and I can’t wait to try other air fryer recipes.
staysnatched says
These are perfect for the air fryer! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Hayley says
Tasted fantastic. We did half in the oven and half in the air fryer to see which we preferred. The air fryer ones were so fluffy. Have already made this recipe twice.
staysnatched says
Yes, the air fryer definitely produces a fluffy texture.
Kara C says
We have made these empanadas at least 10 times over the last few months. They are quick, easy, and delicious. One time we forgot to buy an onion, so we made them without it and it was still amazing. In addition, our local hispanic stores do not sell Goya empanada wrappers, they have a different brand, and we have figured out that we just have to cook them for a few extra minutes.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad you figured it out!
Kristie Ondracek says
Made these for brunch today and 5+ Stars from everyone. Already requested for Christmas and New Years Eve. Thanks for creating this recipe and helping me enjoy the air fryer even more. Great work!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Anna says
I had sworn off empanadas after an unfortunate experience in Costa Rica that I’d rather not relive 😂 but everything Brandi touches is GOLD, so I decided I’d give these a chance. They are fabulous... no surprise there. So easy, so delicious, and very customizable. Thanks for restoring my faith and love for empanadas 😂
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed these.
Nicolina Gueriera says
Made these with puff pastry dough and they were delicious and flaky! The homemade taco seasoning is bomb and will definitely be using it on other recipes.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Annie says
This recipe is now one of my all time favorites! SO easy and something I never would have thought to make myself but now I don’t know how I ever lived without it!! And I love that it also gives you a foundation for other delicious food since you can easily switch up the filling!
And the homemade taco seasoning..seriously try it. Why would you ever waste $ on the prepackaged stuff again😂
staysnatched says
Yes! I agree! No need for prepackaged.
Sarah says
Happened upon empanada wrappers at the grocery store the other day (I've been looking for them forever!) and immediately thought of this recipe. Absolutely delicious and so easy to make! 100% recommend grating your own cheese for the recipe, it makes the empanadas so much more deliciously cheesy. We dipped these in TJ zhoug, guacamole, and a red pepper cream sauce, and served with Mexican street corn - SO good.
staysnatched says
That sounds amazing! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Jenn says
I made these tonight and they were fabulous!!!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear it.
Khrissy says
Thank you for sharing your talents with us. I made ground turkey empanadas using your recipe and it was amazing. The recipe was low carb and delicious...
staysnatched says
Yay! Turkey sounds awesome.
Betsy says
This recipe added a little twist to our usual Taco Tuesday dinner! They were very easy to make and flavorful. I will be making these again for sure, thank you!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Coby says
We had these for Cinco de Mayo and loved them! The air fryer cooked them up nice and crisp!
staysnatched says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed them.
Jill says
These are soooooo good. I can eat these everyday. Like all of staysnatched recipes it was easy to follow and used all tips given
staysnatched says
I can eat them everyday, too!
Amanda says
I loved the original version of the recipe!!! Am I able to get a copy of the original one?
staysnatched says
No, it's not available.
Meosha says
I make these every other week! They’re so easy and delicious! I’ve made them in both the air fryer and the oven and they’re great either way! 💕
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it.
Anonymous says
My son still loves these beef empanadas!
staysnatched says
I love to hear it!
Lisa says
I just made this recipe and followed exactly as written and omg -- SOOO good! Will definitely be making again. It tastes authentic and was much easier to make than I expected. Thanks so much!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Sydney says
So good! So easy! These were tasty and a family hit!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Marilyn Carlson says
I followed your recipe for the oven bake. Delicious, everyone enjoyed it and wanted your recipe.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear it.