Easy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Dive into the irresistible world of homemade empanadas with this incredibly easy and delicious ground beef recipe! These crispy, golden pockets are bursting with a savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef and cheese filling, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a delightful appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a unique main course, these empanadas are versatile and utterly delightful. The best part? We’re using convenient store-bought empanada discs to keep the process simple and stress-free, so you can enjoy authentic flavor without all the fuss.

Prepare to impress with minimal effort! The rich flavors of the beef mixture, combined with melty cheese and a perfectly crunchy crust, create a truly satisfying experience. For an extra kick, I absolutely love serving these empanadas with a drizzle of hot sauce or a vibrant, fresh chimichurri sauce. If you’re eager to explore more empanada adventures, be sure to check out our equally delicious chicken empanadas and the super convenient air fryer empanadas for a healthier twist!

These incredible empanadas are incredibly versatile and can gracefully fit into any meal plan. Serve them as an exciting appetizer to kick off a party, a satisfying snack for an afternoon craving, or a hearty main course for dinner. When serving as a main dish, consider pairing them with a side of savory Spanish rice or a crisp, refreshing simple salad to complete the meal. Their delightful flavor and texture make them a hit with everyone, young and old.

Ingredient Notes for Perfect Empanadas

Crafting the perfect empanada starts with understanding your ingredients. Below are some key notes to help you achieve the best flavor and texture. For precise quantities and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card further down the page.

• Ground Beef: I typically opt for 90/10 lean ground beef to minimize excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, less oily filling. However, feel free to use 80/20 ground beef for a richer flavor profile or even ground turkey as a lighter alternative. Just remember to drain any extra fat after browning to prevent your empanadas from becoming greasy.
• Capers (or Olives): These small, briny flower buds add a wonderful pop of salty and tangy flavor that beautifully complements the rich beef. If capers aren’t your preference or readily available, finely chopped green olives (pitted, of course) make an excellent substitute, offering a similar briny kick.
• Sazon: This essential Hispanic spice blend is a true game-changer, infusing the beef with a deeply savory and aromatic foundation. It typically contains ingredients like coriander, annatto, garlic, and cumin, giving your empanadas that authentic, vibrant taste. You can easily find Sazon in the Hispanic or international foods aisle of most major supermarkets.
• Vino Seco (Dry White Wine): While entirely optional, a splash of dry white wine adds a layer of sophisticated depth and acidity to the beef filling, enhancing all the other flavors. It deglazes the pan, capturing all those delicious browned bits, and evaporates during cooking, leaving behind only its wonderful essence. Feel free to omit it if you prefer not to use alcohol or don’t have it on hand.
• Empanada Discs: To make this recipe truly “super easy,” we rely on store-bought empanada discs. These pre-made dough rounds save you a significant amount of time and effort in the kitchen. Look for them in the frozen section of your local grocery store, usually near other pastry doughs or Latin American specialty items. They come in various sizes, so choose ones appropriate for your desired empanada size.

Top Tips for Empanada Success

Achieving perfectly crisp and delicious empanadas is simpler than you might think with these expert tips:

• Cool the Beef Filling Thoroughly: This is a crucial step! After cooking the beef mixture, allow it to cool for at least 10-15 minutes, or even longer if time permits. Working with hot filling can cause the delicate empanada dough to tear, making it difficult to seal and potentially leading to a messy frying experience. A cooled filling also helps the cheese stay in place during assembly.
• Master the Fry: When frying your empanadas, maintain a consistent medium-high heat. Fry them for approximately 3 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful, even golden-brown color and a satisfying crispness. It’s essential to keep a close eye on them, as empanadas can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
• Elevate with Dipping Sauces: While these empanadas are incredibly flavorful on their own, pairing them with a dipping sauce truly takes them to the next level. Hot sauce adds a zesty kick, and chimichurri offers a fresh, herbaceous contrast. Other fantastic options include a creamy avocado sauce, a tangy sour cream dip, or even a simple salsa.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to stuff your empanadas with too much filling. About 2 tablespoons of beef mixture and 1 tablespoon of cheese per disc is ideal. Overfilling makes it difficult to seal the edges properly, increasing the chances of the empanadas bursting during cooking.
• Seal the Edges Securely: After placing the filling, gently fold the dough over and press the edges together firmly with your fingers. Then, use the tines of a fork to create a decorative and secure crimped edge. This not only looks professional but also ensures the filling stays safely inside while frying.
• Work on a Lightly Floured Surface: This prevents the empanada discs from sticking, making them easier to handle and fold. A thin dusting of flour is all you need.

Can I Make These in the Air Fryer? Absolutely!

Yes, absolutely! For a lighter version with less oil, these ground beef empanadas can be wonderfully crispy when made in an air fryer. The air fryer method is a fantastic alternative to traditional frying, offering a healthier option without sacrificing that desired crunchy exterior. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for immediate crisping when the empanadas are added. Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. First Cook: Place the assembled empanadas in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Work in batches if necessary. Brush the tops of the empanadas lightly with an egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) – this will help them achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen. Cook for 4 minutes.
3. Second Cook: Once the initial 4 minutes are up, carefully flip the empanadas to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides. Brush the other side with egg wash and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Cool and Enjoy: Once cooked through and golden, carefully remove the empanadas from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for just 2 minutes before serving. This short rest period helps them firm up and ensures the filling isn’t too hot. Enjoy your perfectly crispy, air-fried empanadas warm!

Storage & Reheating for Leftovers

If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), storing and reheating them properly will ensure they remain just as enjoyable. These empanadas are fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.

• At Room Temperature: Cooked empanadas can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, especially if they are consumed quickly. However, for optimal freshness and safety, refrigeration is recommended.
• In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place your cooked and cooled empanadas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: While convenient, the microwave tends to make the crust less crispy. Heat for 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.
  • Air Fryer: This is my preferred method for reheating! Place cold empanadas in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crisp again.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet and heat for 8-12 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed and crispy.
• Freezing Cooked Empanadas: To freeze cooked empanadas, first let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.
• Freezing Uncooked Empanadas: You can also prepare and freeze uncooked empanadas. After assembling and crimping the edges, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry or air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Ground Beef Empanada Variations & Serving Suggestions

While the classic ground beef and cheese filling is undeniably delicious, there are countless ways to customize your empanadas and make them your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Flavorful Filling Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture, or finely diced jalapeños for a delightful spicy punch.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate other finely diced vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or diced potatoes (cooked beforehand) for added texture and nutrients.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley mixed into the beef.
• Olive & Egg: For a more traditional Latin American style, add sliced hard-boiled eggs and more chopped olives to the filling.
• Cheese Combinations: While mozzarella is great for meltiness, try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp provolone for different flavor profiles.
• Smoky Flavor: A hint of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth to the beef.

Perfect Pairings & Dips:

Beyond hot sauce and chimichurri, consider these delightful accompaniments:

• Guacamole or Sliced Avocado: The creamy texture and fresh flavor of avocado perfectly balance the richness of the empanadas.
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa: A fresh, chunky salsa adds brightness and a tangy contrast.
• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream or crema provides a lovely counterpoint to the savory filling.
• Black Bean & Corn Salad: A light, refreshing side that complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
• Lime Wedges: A simple squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before eating can brighten the entire dish.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Empanada Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these ground beef empanadas. They offer a perfect blend of comfort food and exciting flavors, making them a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and melty cheese creates a rich, savory filling that’s truly irresistible. Every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Effortlessly Easy: Thanks to store-bought empanada discs, this recipe significantly cuts down on prep time. You get all the homemade taste without the hassle of making dough from scratch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick party appetizer.
• Crispy Perfection: Whether you choose to fry them for that traditional golden crunch or opt for the healthier air-fried method, the result is always a wonderfully crisp exterior that gives way to a tender, juicy filling.
• Versatile & Adaptable: These empanadas are fantastic as an appetizer, a satisfying snack, or even a hearty main course. Plus, the filling can be easily customized with additional vegetables, spices, or cheeses to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Empanadas are universally loved! They’re a guaranteed hit at gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. Their individual portion size makes them easy to serve and enjoy.
• Great for Meal Prep: Both the beef filling and the assembled empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them an excellent option for quick future meals or snacks.

Ground Beef Empanadas Video Tutorial

Watch this step-by-step video to see just how simple it is to bring these delicious ground beef empanadas to life. Visual guidance can make all the difference, especially when mastering the art of filling and sealing:

If you try this mouthwatering recipe, please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!