Baked Beef Empanadas in Ready-Made Pastry Discs

Name: Baked Beef Empanadas in Ready-Made Pastry Discs
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 12 empanadas
Cuisine: Latin American-inspired
Ingredients: 500 g lean ground beef; 1 whole medium onion, finely diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 15 g chopped cilantro; 12 whole empanada pastry discs, thawed; 1 whole large egg, beaten, for brushing

Golden pastry rounds enclose a cumin-seasoned beef and onion filling.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 10 minMakes 12 empanadas

Jump to Recipe

These baked beef empanadas have a warmly spiced filling of ground beef, onion, tomato paste and cilantro sealed in ready-made pastry rounds. Cool the filling before shaping so it does not soften the dough. Press the edges firmly and bake until deep golden; the filling must be fully cooked before it goes into the pastry. Heat oil in a skillet; cook onion 5 minutes, add beef and break it up until browned and cooked through. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes, then stir in cilantro and cool completely. Heat oven to 200°C (400°F); place about 2 tablespoons filling on each pastry disc, leaving a clear edge.

Baked Beef Empanadas in Ready-Made Pastry Discs

How to tell when it is ready

Brush with beaten egg and bake 18 to 22 minutes until golden and crisp.

Tips

Heat oil in a skillet.
Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
Heat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Dab edges with water, fold into half-moons and press firmly with a fork.

Troubleshooting

If edges open, press with a fork and avoid overfilling.
If bottoms brown too quickly, use a light-colored tray.

Substitutions

Use ground turkey and cook to 74°C (165°F).
Use ready-made empanada discs or pastry rounds.

Variations

Add chopped olives to the beef filling.
Stir in a little chilli powder for heat.

Serving suggestions

Serve with tomato salsa.
Add a cabbage slaw.
Offer lime wedges.
Pack with rice and beans for lunch.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate baked empanadas within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven until hot and crisp.

Storage

Refrigerate baked empanadas within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven until hot and crisp.

Food safety

Cook ground beef to 71°C (160°F); cool filling promptly and keep pastry refrigerated while shaping.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know baked beef empanadas is ready?

Brush with beaten egg and bake 18 to 22 minutes until golden and crisp.

How should I store baked beef empanadas?

Refrigerate baked empanadas within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven until hot and crisp.

Serve with tomato salsa. Refrigerate baked empanadas within 2 hours for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven until hot and crisp.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Baked Beef Empanadas in Ready-Made Pastry Discs