These taco empanadas are super easy to make, kid-friendly, and the perfect way to use up leftover taco meat. Sometimes the most simple meals turn out to be the absolute best.
16ouncelarge refrigerator biscuitslike Pillsbury Grands
3/4cuprefried beansdivided
1cupshredded cheddar cheesedivided
3/4cupprepared taco meatdivided
Optional garnishes:
chopped tomato
chopped green onion
sour cream
lettuce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Flatten a biscuit on the foil using the heel of your hand, starting from the center and working your way outward.
Spread one tablespoon of refried beans onto the flattened biscuit.
Top refried beans with a tablespoon of shredded cheese.
Add a heaping tablespoon of prepared taco meat onto the cheese.
Fold the biscuit by pulling one side up over the other and sealing the edges with your finger. Crimp the edges and poke a few holes in top with a fork.
Drizzle some of the juice from the taco meat over the empanada. Top with another tablespoon of shredded cheese.
Repeat these steps for all empanadas.
Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Video
Notes
You can easily double this recipe for more or to freeze for later.
To freeze, place the unbaked empanadas on a parchment lined baking sheet and flash freeze until the dough has mostly hardened. Flash freezing prevents the empanadas from sticking together. Remove from freezer and place the empanadas in a large ziptop bag or air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months. You can allow them to thaw before baking, or bake straight from frozen, adding extra time in the oven as needed.
Store leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer.
Feel free to add a can of diced green chiles, some chopped jalapenos, or diced onion to the meat mixture if desired.
You don’t have to make homemade pie crust to make these taco empanadas. You can use refrigerated pie crusts, but because they are round, when you cut them into smaller circles you are forced to have scraps. You would have to meld those scraps back together with your existing pieces. Not a huge deal by any means, but an easier way is to use large refrigerator biscuits. I used Pillsbury Grands, but generic brands will work too.