Introduction

Empanadas are one of the most beloved hand-held comfort foods around the world. Originating from Spain and Latin America, these golden pastry pockets are filled with savory or sweet ingredients and baked or fried until deliciously crisp. Today, we are focusing on Spicy Beef Empanadas—a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a buttery crust.

This recipe is approachable for home cooks of all levels. It delivers bold flavor from chili powder, cumin, paprika, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat. The filling balances spiciness with the creamy richness of cheddar cheese, while the flaky crust provides the perfect bite.

Whether you’re serving these empanadas as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish paired with a salad, they are sure to be a hit at family dinners, gatherings, or game day parties. This article will walk you through the ingredients, directions, expert preparation methods, and even answer common questions about empanadas to make your cooking process seamless.

Ingredients with Quantities

To make about 10–12 empanadas, you will need the following:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (14 oz) package refrigerated pie crusts (or empanada dough if available)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing

Directions & Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray. This ensures your empanadas don’t stick and helps them achieve a golden, crisp crust.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease to avoid a soggy filling.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened and aromatic.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

1. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Allow the spices to bloom in the hot pan for 1–2 minutes, enhancing their depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer

1. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth (or water).
2. Let the mixture simmer for 5–6 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding cheese.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese once the beef mixture has cooled enough so the cheese doesn’t completely melt away. This keeps pockets of cheesy goodness inside each empanada.

Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
2. Cut into 4–6 inch circles (use a round cutter, bowl, or glass).
3. Place 1–2 tablespoons of beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
5. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork. This also creates a beautiful crimped design.

Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake

1. Transfer the empanadas to your prepared baking sheet.
2. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
3. Bake in the oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove empanadas from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with salsa, sour cream, or a spicy dipping sauce of your choice.

Tips for Best Results

• Use cold dough: Cold pie crust is easier to handle and creates a flakier result.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling will cause the empanadas to burst open.
• Customize heat: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce if you love spice.
• Freezing option: Assemble empanadas, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking?

Yes! For a more traditional preparation, fry them in 350°F vegetable oil until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side). Baking is a lighter option, while frying creates extra crispiness.

2. What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For vegetarian empanadas, replace meat with black beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.

3. Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare and fill the empanadas, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to 2 months.

4. What dipping sauces pair best?

Empanadas taste amazing with salsa, sour cream, chimichurri, chipotle mayo, or guacamole. Choose according to your spice preference.

5. How do I keep empanadas from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef and let the filling cool before adding cheese. Overly hot filling releases steam, which can soften the crust.

6. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry gives empanadas a flakier, more buttery texture. Just adjust the baking time slightly since puff pastry tends to brown faster.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, increase crushed red pepper flakes, or mix hot sauce into the beef filling for an extra kick.

8. How long do baked empanadas last?

Stored in an airtight container, baked empanadas last 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: ~290 per empanada
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion

Spicy Beef Empanadas are a versatile, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. From the perfectly seasoned beef filling to the flaky golden crust, every bite delivers a satisfying balance of spice, richness, and texture.

What makes this recipe stand out is its flexibility—you can bake or fry, make them ahead of time, or experiment with different fillings. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, bringing them to a potluck, or preparing them as a freezer-friendly snack, empanadas always bring people together.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy one of the most delicious hand-held meals you’ll ever make at home.