If you are craving a snack that bursts with warm, savory flavors and a touch of melty cheese, this Beef Empanadas Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These hand-held beauties combine a flaky, buttery crust with a perfectly spiced ground beef filling, brightened by pickled jalapeños and juicy tomatoes, making every bite an irresistible comfort experience. Trust me, once you try these empanadas, they’ll become a staple for gatherings, quick dinners, or anytime you want a satisfying treat that impresses!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a woman's hand gently holding a ball of pale, soft dough covered with a light dusting of flour. The dough has a smooth and slightly shiny texture. It rests on a wooden surface that is scattered with flour, adding a fine white powder contrast to the warm wood tones. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the dough and the woman's hand in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is crucial to nailing this Beef Empanadas Recipe. Each component plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color—from the tender, flaky dough to the flavorful filling bursting with spices and cheese.

All-purpose flour (3 cups plus more for dusting): The foundation for our flaky empanada crust that holds everything together perfectly.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Adds just the right amount of lift to give the dough a light but sturdy texture.
Kosher salt (1 tsp plus to taste): Enhances all the flavors, from crust to filling.
Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cubed): The secret to flaky, tender empanada dough that melts in your mouth.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough ingredients and adds richness.
Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to gently sauté the filling, adding a subtle fruity note.
Yellow onion (1, finely chopped): Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the beef filling.
Garlic cloves (2, finely chopped): Adds a punch of savory depth to the mix.
Ground beef (1 lb): The heart of the filling, juicy and flavorful.
Tomato paste (1 tbsp): Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the filling richness.
Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings a warm, slightly bitter herbaceous note.
Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): Provides gentle warmth and a subtle sweetness.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a peppery bite to liven up the filling.
Chopped pickled jalapeños (1/2 cup): Brings brightness and a spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
Chopped tomatoes (1/2 cup): Adds juiciness and fresh acidity.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/4 cups): Melts beautifully inside, adding sharpness and creaminess.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 1/4 cups): Complements the cheddar with a buttery, mild melt.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Used as a fresh garnish to brighten each bite.
Sour cream: The perfect cool, tangy counterpoint when serving.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Beef Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Next, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients with your hands or a pastry cutter until you see pea-sized bits of butter throughout. This will help create that irresistible flaky crust. Add the egg and about 3/4 cup of water, mixing everything with a wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Then turn it onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap your dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour to relax the gluten and chill the butter – this step is key for flaky perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prep your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add finely chopped onions. Cook them slowly until they soften and turn translucent, about 7 minutes, then toss in the garlic for an extra minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns until no pink remains – about 5 minutes.

Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. This combination creates the deeply savory, warmly spiced flavor that makes this Beef Empanadas Recipe truly shine. Toss in the pickled jalapeños and chopped tomatoes, letting everything cook together for a few more minutes until warmed through. Set the filling aside to cool slightly before assembling your empanadas.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

On a lightly floured surface, divide your dough in half and roll out one portion to about one-quarter inch thick. Using a 4.5-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Be sure to reroll scraps once to maximize your dough use. Take one dough round, moisten the edges with a little water to help seal later, and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the savory beef filling into the center. Sprinkle a generous mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top for that delicious melty surprise.

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then firmly crimp the edges with a fork to seal everything inside. Repeat this process for all your empanadas. To finish, beat an egg with a splash of water and brush this egg wash over the empanadas’ surfaces to give them a beautiful golden glaze when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your prepared empanadas on the baking sheets and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and you can smell that cheesy, spicy filling teasing your senses. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors at their best.

How to Serve Beef Empanadas Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a single pastry with light golden dough, folded in half with sealed edges that have a crimped pattern. A bright red brush is gently spreading a shiny yellow glaze over the top surface of the pastry, creating a smooth, glossy layer. In the blurred background, there are more similar pastries, all resting on a flat metal baking sheet. The setting has a white marbled texture as the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten every empanada bite with freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled on top just before serving. A generous dollop of cool sour cream on the side adds a luscious, tangy contrast that makes the warm, spiced filling pop.

Side Dishes

This Beef Empanadas Recipe pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad or a zesty chimichurri sauce for dipping. Fresh slices of avocado or a simple black bean salad make excellent accompaniments, rounding out the meal with fresh textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your empanadas alongside small bowls of different dipping sauces like salsa verde, smoky chipotle mayo, or a creamy queso dip. Arranging them on a beautiful wooden board with fresh lime wedges and colorful veggies turns any gathering into a festive feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), place your cooled empanadas in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining great flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked empanadas by arranging them on a baking sheet in a single layer, flash freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover empanadas in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crisp crust. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the dough soggy. Oven reheating keeps them tasting fresh and flaky like when they first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made dough instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought pie or puff pastry dough can work in a pinch, though homemade dough offers that unbeatable fresh, buttery texture unique to this Beef Empanadas Recipe.

How spicy are these empanadas with jalapeños included?

The pickled jalapeños add a nice but not overwhelming kick. If you love heat, feel free to add more; if you prefer mild, reduce the amount or omit them entirely.

Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of mushrooms for a vegetarian twist can work well, just adjust cooking times to ensure the filling is fully cooked and flavorful.

Is it okay to bake empanadas instead of frying them?

Baking is a great, healthier alternative and gives the crust a lovely golden, flaky texture. Frying results in a different texture but baking is traditional for this recipe and easier for busy cooks.

What should I do if my dough feels too sticky?

Lightly dust your surface and hands with flour during kneading and rolling. If the dough remains sticky, add a teaspoon of flour at a time until manageable but be careful not to add too much or it will toughen the crust.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong making this Beef Empanadas Recipe a regular part of your meal rotation. It’s friendly enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, offering comforting layers of flavor wrapped in a flaky, golden package. I hope you enjoy the process as much as the delicious results—happy cooking and even happier eating!

Beef Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need