Easy Baked Beef Empanadas: Your Ultimate Make-Ahead Freezer Meal Recipe

Imagine serving a dish that looks like it took hours of intricate work, yet comes together with surprising ease. Our Easy Baked Beef Empanadas are precisely that – a culinary delight that belies its simple preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or even as a clever strategy for meal prepping, these savory turnovers are a true game-changer. By utilizing readily available ingredients like pre-cooked ground beef from your freezer and convenient store-bought pie crusts, you can create a satisfying meal that everyone will love, without spending your entire day in the kitchen.

These delicious baked empanadas are incredibly versatile. They can be the star of a hearty family dinner, a delightful appetizer for your next party, or even cooked a few at a time in a toaster oven for a smaller, more intimate meal. Beyond their immediate appeal, they shine as an excellent freezer meal. We highly recommend making a large batch and freezing the extras, ensuring you always have a comforting, homemade option ready when hunger strikes.

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❓ What Are Empanadas? A Culinary Journey

Empanadas are a cherished dish with a rich history, essentially savory pastry turnovers that can be either baked or fried. Their origins trace back to Portugal and Spain, where they were a popular and portable meal. It was the Spanish colonists who introduced these delightful pockets of flavor to the Americas in the 16th century, and they quickly gained widespread popularity across the continent. Each country, and often each region within those countries, has developed its unique and beloved version, resulting in an incredible diversity of fillings and even names. From succulent seafood and flaky fish to hearty potatoes and, of course, delicious beef, the variety is endless, reflecting the local ingredients and culinary traditions.

A fascinating aspect of empanadas is how bakeries often cleverly mold them into different shapes based on their fillings. This ingenious method allows customers to easily identify what’s inside each pastry, whether it’s a spicy beef filling or a cheesy potato mixture, simply by glancing at its crimped edges or distinctive fold. It’s a testament to the cultural significance and evolution of this humble yet beloved dish. Fun fact: according to the readers of Bearshapedsphere, there are three ways to eat an empanada, and from the middle ain’t one – a playful nod to the proper etiquette of enjoying these handheld treats.

Our recipe for baked beef empanadas offers a comforting and approachable introduction to this fantastic culinary tradition. By baking instead of frying, we achieve a lighter, yet still wonderfully crispy, golden crust that perfectly encases the flavorful beef and corn filling. These are a staple in many Latin American households, celebrated for their convenience, flavor, and ability to feed a crowd. Whether you’re new to making empanadas or a seasoned pro looking for a simplified method, this recipe is designed for success.

⏲️ Time Needed: Quick Prep for Delicious Results

One of the many advantages of this easy baked beef empanada recipe is its efficiency. You’ll need approximately 45 minutes for the hands-on portion, which includes rolling out the pie crust dough, filling each empanada with the savory beef mixture, and carefully sealing them. Following this, the baking time is a straightforward 25 minutes, allowing the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown and become delightfully crispy.

This recipe is designed with convenience in mind, specifically assuming you’re using cooked ground beef from your freezer. This clever shortcut significantly reduces your overall prep time, transforming what could be a multi-hour endeavor into a quick and manageable task. If you happen to be starting with raw ground beef, remember to factor in an additional 15-20 minutes for browning the meat before you even begin assembling your empanadas. Our approach emphasizes getting a delicious, homemade meal on the table efficiently, making it perfect for busy individuals and families looking for smart meal solutions.

🥘 Ingredients for Flavorful Beef Empanadas

The beauty of these easy baked beef empanadas lies in their simple yet robust ingredient list. Each component contributes to a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious make-ahead meal:

• Cooked Ground Beef: The foundation of our filling. Using pre-cooked ground beef (especially if seasoned with taco seasoning) from your freezer is the ultimate time-saver. It provides a hearty, savory base that’s ready to absorb all the other wonderful flavors.
• Taco Seasoning Mix: This is our secret weapon for instant flavor. A good quality taco seasoning brings a vibrant blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano, infusing the beef with that classic Tex-Mex zest that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• Water: Used to help the taco seasoning dissolve and meld with the ground beef, ensuring an even distribution of flavor and a slightly saucy consistency for the filling.
• Canned Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. The tender kernels burst with flavor, complementing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Onion (chopped and sautéed): Sautéing the onion beforehand mellows its sharpness and brings out its natural sweetness, adding depth and aromatic complexity to the filling.
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded): The ultimate comfort ingredient! Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy, tangy, and undeniably delicious element that binds the filling together and provides that satisfying gooey goodness.
• Salsa: A crucial ingredient for moisture and a burst of fresh, tangy flavor. Choose your favorite mild or medium salsa to add a layer of zesty tomato and pepper notes.
• Pie Crust Dough (unbaked): The convenience of store-bought pie crusts cannot be overstated. They provide a flaky, buttery shell without the fuss of making dough from scratch. Look for the refrigerated or frozen varieties for ease.

This carefully selected combination ensures a well-balanced and incredibly tasty beef empanada filling, ready to be encased in a golden, crispy crust.

🌾 Adaptations for Dietary Restrictions: Enjoy Empanadas Your Way

We believe everyone should be able to enjoy delicious empanadas, which is why this recipe is easily adaptable to accommodate various dietary needs. With a few simple substitutions, you can ensure these savory pastries fit your specific requirements without compromising on flavor or enjoyment.

Gluten-Free Empanadas

For those following a gluten-free diet, the good news is that enjoying these empanadas is entirely possible! The key lies in the pie crust. Many grocery stores now offer excellent quality gluten-free pie crusts in their freezer sections. These pre-made options are a fantastic time-saver and perform wonderfully in this recipe, yielding a flaky and delicious crust. Alternatively, if you prefer to make your own, there are numerous reliable gluten-free pie crust recipes available. You can find links to a couple of excellent gluten-free pie crust recipes with our Zucchini Quiche recipe, which can be easily adapted here. Always double-check ingredient labels on your taco seasoning and other processed items to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Other Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: To make these empanadas dairy-free, simply omit the cheddar cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Ensure your pie crust and taco seasoning are also dairy-free.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: While this is a beef empanada recipe, the concept can be adapted. You could substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative, a mixture of seasoned black beans and rice, or even a spicy potato and vegetable blend. Ensure your pie crust is vegan (many store-bought varieties are, but check the label), and replace cheddar cheese with a vegan shredded cheese or omit it.
• Low-Sodium: To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium taco seasoning, unsalted canned corn (rinse thoroughly), and a low-sodium salsa. You can also control the amount of cheese to manage sodium content.

These simple adjustments ensure that anyone can savor the rich flavors and comforting warmth of homemade empanadas.

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Baked Empanadas

Crafting these easy baked beef empanadas is a straightforward process, especially with our helpful tips. Follow these steps to create a batch of perfectly golden and delicious savory turnovers.

1. Prepare the Beef Filling: If your cooked ground beef is not already seasoned with taco seasoning, it’s time to infuse it with flavor. In a skillet or pot, combine the thawed cooked ground beef with the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the seasoning is well distributed and absorbed by the meat. If your beef is already taco-seasoned, you can happily skip this step and proceed directly to combining all the filling ingredients.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: Once your beef is seasoned (or if it was already seasoned), transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the drained canned corn, the sautéed chopped onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and salsa. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. This is the heart of your empanadas, so ensure every spoonful is packed with flavor.
3. Prepare the Pie Crust Dough: This is a crucial step for the structure of your empanadas. On a lightly floured surface (or using a pastry mat), roll out the pie crust dough to an approximate thickness of 1/16 inch. The key is to achieve an even, thin consistency without making it so delicate that it tears easily. We highly recommend cutting out one 8-inch circle and making a “test empanada” before cutting all your circles. This allows you to check if your chosen dough thickness works well for folding and sealing. Dough that is too thin can be frustratingly difficult to work with, leading to tears and poor seals. Once you are confident in your dough’s thickness and workability, proceed to cut out 18 individual circles, each approximately 8 inches in diameter.
4. Fill and Seal the Empanadas: Take one dough circle and place about ⅓ cup of the prepared beef filling onto one half of the circle, leaving a small border around the edge. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult. Fold the empty half of the crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Gently press the edges together to seal them, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges firmly, creating a decorative seal that will prevent the filling from escaping during baking. If there’s any excess dough around the edges, you can trim it for a neater appearance (see our tips below for making this process even easier, especially with a turnover press).
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled and sealed empanadas on a baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful light golden brown and appears crispy. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are fantastic served warm, accompanied by a side of creamy queso dip or extra salsa for dipping.

Following these instructions carefully will result in a batch of homemade, incredibly flavorful baked beef empanadas that are perfect for any occasion.

💭 Expert Tips for the Best Beef Empanadas

Achieving perfect baked beef empanadas is easy with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you streamline the process and ensure your empanadas are consistently delicious and beautifully presented.

1. Choose Your Crust Wisely: While our recipe calls for bulk pie crusts, you absolutely can substitute them with pie crusts from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. These often come pre-rolled into circles, saving you a significant amount of time and effort. Both options work wonderfully, so choose what’s most convenient for you.
2. Embrace the Turnover Press: If you plan on making empanadas, dumplings, or other turnovers regularly, investing in a turnover press is a game-changer. This simple tool makes the process of cutting circles, filling, and sealing incredibly fast and easy, giving your empanadas a uniform, professional look. This turnover press set from Amazon (affiliate link) is highly recommended, as it comes with 5 presses of varying sizes ranging from 2-½ inches to 7 inches, offering versatility for different pastry projects. A press ensures a tight, consistent seal every time.
3. Optimize Filling with a Larger Press: If you opt to use the largest 7-inch turnover press (which is one of the biggest sizes commonly available), you’ll notice it can accommodate a slightly larger dough circle. This means you might need to use slightly less than ⅓ cup of filling per empanada to ensure a proper seal. However, the upside is that this often allows you to get 2-3 more empanadas out of the same batch of dough and filling, maximizing your yield and giving you more delicious treats to enjoy or freeze!
4. Mastering the Turnover Press Technique: To effectively use a turnover press, start by using the side without the fluting to press firmly into your rolled-out dough. This action cleanly cuts out your perfect dough circles. Once your circles are cut, carefully place one onto the fluted side of the open press. Add your measured filling onto one half of the dough, making sure not to overfill. Then, gently close the press. The fluted edges of the press will crimp and seal the edges of your empanada beautifully. A crucial point: ensure your dough is not rolled too thinly. Thin dough tends to sink in the center when filled, pulling away from the edges and resulting in a poor, easily broken seal. A slightly thicker (but still pliable) dough holds its shape better.
5. Keep Your Dough Cool: Dough that is too warm becomes soft, sticky, and much harder to work with. To avoid frustration and messy empanadas, always keep your pie crust dough refrigerated until you are ready to roll it out and use it. If you’re working with multiple dough portions, take them out of the fridge one at a time. This simple step will make a significant difference in the ease of handling and the final quality of your empanadas.

Recipe Card: Easy Baked Beef Empanadas

Easy Baked Beef Empanadas

5 from 1 vote

Easy Beef Empanadas make it look like you spent all day in the kitchen but are easy and delicious. They make a great freezer meal, too—make extra to freeze!

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 18 empanadas

Calories 303

Equipment

• Turnover press
• Rolling Pin
• Pastry mat

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked ground beef, from the freezer, thawed
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• ⅓ cup water
• 15.25 oz. canned corn, drained
• ½ onion, chopped and sautéed
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup salsa
• 4 pie crust dough portions, unbaked

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Instructions

• If your cooked ground beef is not already taco-seasoned, simmer it with the taco seasoning and water for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it is already seasoned, skip this step.
• In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the pie crust dough.
• Roll the pie crust dough out to about 1/16″ thick. It’s best to cut one 8″ circle and make a test empanada before cutting out all of the circles to be sure that your thickness works well for folding and sealing. It’s easy to make the dough too thin, resulting in a frustrating experience when filling and sealing.
• When you are satisfied with the thickness of the dough, cut 18 individual circles approximately 8″ in diameter.
• Fill each crust with ⅓ cup of the filling. Fold crust over and seal, cutting off any extra dough if necessary. Bake at 375°F for approximately 25 minutes, or until crust is light brown and crispy. Serve with queso dip or salsa.
• To freeze, place unbaked empanadas in a single layer on a cookie sheet and freeze. When frozen, place in freezer containers and label with the following information: “Thaw. Bake at 375°F approximately 25 minutes, or until crust is light brown and crispy. Serve with queso dip or salsa.”

Notes

1. Nutrition data is per empanada.
2. You can substitute pie crusts from the refrigerated section of the grocery store for the bulk pie crusts if you prefer.
3. Making empanadas, dumplings, and turnovers is much easier with a turnover press. This turnover press set from Amazon (affiliate link) comes with 5 presses of varying sizes ranging from 2-½” to 7″:
4. If you use the 7″ press (which is the largest size press I can find), you’ll need to use slightly less than ⅓ cup of filling in each empanada but will be able to get 2-3 more empanadas out of the recipe.
5. To use the press, use the side without the fluting to press into the dough to cut out your circles. Once your circles are cut out, place them on the fluted side of the press, add the filling, then close the press to seal the edges. Make sure that your dough is not too thin (thin dough will sink in the center when filled, pulling away from the edges and causing a poor seal).

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 303 calCarbohydrates: 25 gProtein: 8 gFat: 18 gSodium: 616 mgFiber: 1 g

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🥗 Perfectly Paired Side Dishes for Your Empanadas

While Easy Baked Beef Empanadas are incredibly satisfying on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your meal into a truly memorable experience. Think of complementary flavors and textures that enhance the savory, slightly spicy notes of the filling and the crispy, golden crust. Here are some fantastic options to serve alongside your homemade empanadas:

📌 Pin This Recipe for Later!

Don’t let this fantastic recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving delicious, easy-to-make beef empanadas. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, preparing for a party, or stocking your freezer with convenient meals, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary collection. Save it now and get ready to enjoy these delightful savory turnovers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Empanadas

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef empanada filling can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a fantastic way to streamline your meal prep even further, especially if you plan to make a large batch.

What’s the difference between baked and fried empanadas?

The main difference lies in the cooking method and the resulting texture. Baked empanadas typically have a lighter, flakier, and less greasy crust, offering a healthier alternative. Fried empanadas, on the other hand, boast a golden-brown, crispy, and often chewier crust due to being submerged in hot oil. Both are delicious, but baked versions often allow the filling flavors to shine more prominently.

Can I use homemade pie crust dough?

Yes, you certainly can! While this recipe emphasizes convenience with store-bought crusts, using your favorite homemade pie crust dough will undoubtedly yield an even more artisanal and flavorful empanada. Just ensure your dough is rolled to the recommended 1/16-inch thickness for best results.

How do I prevent the empanadas from bursting open during baking?

Several factors can contribute to bursting. First, avoid overfilling your empanadas; leave a good border for sealing. Second, ensure a tight seal around the edges – crimping firmly with a fork is essential. Third, make sure your dough isn’t too thin, as fragile dough is more prone to tearing. Finally, a small vent or two poked with a fork on top of each empanada can allow steam to escape, preventing pressure buildup.

What other fillings can I try?

Empanadas are incredibly versatile! You can experiment with various fillings like shredded chicken with salsa verde, seasoned black beans and cheese, potato and chorizo, or even sweet fillings like guava and cream cheese, or apple cinnamon. The possibilities are endless, making them perfect for using up leftovers or trying new flavor combinations.