Do Beef Empanadas Freeze Well? Find Out Here!

Homemade beef empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But what if you make too many or want to prepare them ahead of time? Can you freeze beef empanadas?

The answer is a resounding yes! Beef empanadas freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal freezer-friendly meal.

How to Freeze Beef Empanadas

Raw Empanadas

1. Assemble the empanadas: Fill empanada dough with your favorite beef filling and fold the edges securely.
2. Freeze on a baking sheet: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
3. Transfer to freezer bags: Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to freezer-safe bags.
4. Label and freeze: Label the bags with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Cooked Empanadas

1. Bake the empanadas: Bake the empanadas according to the recipe instructions until golden brown.
2. Cool completely: Let the empanadas cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Freeze on a baking sheet: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until firm.
4. Transfer to freezer bags: Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to freezer-safe bags.
5. Label and freeze: Label the bags with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Thaw and Reheat Beef Empanadas

Raw Empanadas

1. Thaw in the refrigerator: Thaw the empanadas overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.

Cooked Empanadas

1. Thaw in the refrigerator: Thaw the empanadas overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Reheat in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Reheat in the microwave: Place the empanadas on a microwave-safe plate and reheat for 1-2 minutes per empanada, or until heated through.

Benefits of Freezing Beef Empanadas

• Meal prep made easy: Prepare empanadas ahead of time and freeze them for quick and convenient meals.
• Time-saver: No need to spend hours in the kitchen when you have frozen empanadas on hand.
• Portion control: Freeze individual empanadas for easy portion control.
• Budget-friendly: Bulk cooking and freezing empanadas can save you money.

Tips for Freezing Beef Empanadas

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh ingredients will result in better-tasting frozen empanadas.
• Seal empanadas tightly: Make sure the empanadas are sealed well to prevent freezer burn.
• Label and date: Label the freezer bags with the date and contents to keep track of what’s inside.
• Don’t overfill: Avoid overfilling the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to freeze and reheat evenly.

Takeaways: Beef Empanadas – The Perfect Freezer Staple

Whether you’re a busy family, a meal-prepper, or simply looking for a convenient and delicious meal option, beef empanadas are a perfect freezer staple. With simple freezing and reheating instructions, you can enjoy homemade empanadas whenever you crave them. So next time you make a batch of empanadas, don’t hesitate to freeze them for future enjoyment!

Popular Questions

1. Can I freeze empanadas without baking them?

Yes, you can freeze raw empanadas. Follow the instructions for freezing raw empanadas in the “How to Freeze Beef Empanadas” section.

2. How long can I freeze beef empanadas?

Raw empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months, while cooked empanadas can be frozen for up to 2 months.

3. Can I reheat frozen empanadas in the air fryer?

Yes, you can reheat frozen empanadas in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the empanadas for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.