Empanadas are a delicious Latin American stuffed pastry that can be filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables The crispy, flaky dough encases savory fillings for a perfect on-the-go snack or appetizer While homemade empanadas are ideal, it can be time consuming to make the dough and fillings from scratch. That’s where Goya frozen beef empanadas come in handy! These convenient frozen empanadas are pre-filled with seasoned ground beef – just heat and serve. But can you bake Goya frozen empanadas instead of frying them?
Goya Foods produces a variety of delicious Latin cuisine products, including their popular frozen beef empanadas. These empanadas come pre-filled with a savory beef filling that contains tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro and Latin seasonings. The seasoned ground beef filling is encased in a simple wheat flour dough.
Goya frozen beef empanadas are sold in boxes in the frozen food section of many grocery stores. Each box contains 12 individually wrapped empanadas, perfect for popping in the oven or toaster oven. They are an easy appetizer to keep stocked in the freezer for entertaining or snacking anytime.
While Goya recommends pan frying the frozen empanadas on the stovetop, baking is a convenient hands-off method that allows you to cook multiple empanadas at once. The baking process delivers a nice crispy crust with a piping hot beef filling inside.
Benefits of Baking vs Frying Empanadas
Baking Goya frozen beef empanadas has several advantages compared to pan frying
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It’s healthier – no need for added frying oils Baking avoids excess grease.
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Easy clean up – baking on a sheet pan contains mess instead of splattering oil.
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Cooks evenly – the oven distributes heat evenly over the empanadas.
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Hands-off method – simply place empanadas on a sheet and bake versus monitoring them in a pan.
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Can do large batches – fits more in the oven compared to limited space in a frying pan.
While pan frying can give a nice crispy texture, baking is generally easier and produces delicious results. The key is following a few simple steps to ensure baked empanadas come out perfect.
How to Bake Frozen Goya Beef Empanadas
Baking Goya frozen beef empanadas is simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This prevents sticking.
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Remove desired number of frozen empanadas from box and unwrap each one.
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Lay empanadas flat on prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced.
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Brush tops of empanadas with egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 Tbsp water). This gives a nice browning.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
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Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure beef filling reaches 165°F.
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Remove pan from oven and let empanadas cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Caution – filling will be hot!
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Serve warm with your favorite empanada dipping sauces like chimichurri or salsa. Enjoy!
Baking time may vary based on how large of a batch you make. Keep an eye on them and adjust baking time if needed. The egg wash helps the empanada dough achieve a nice crispy texture in the oven.
Tips for Baked Empanada Perfection
Here are some top tips to ensure your baked Goya frozen beef empanadas turn out perfectly crispy and delicious:
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Make sure oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps dough puff up and get crispy.
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Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave 1-2 inches between empanadas for even cooking.
-Brush egg wash carefully over tops of empanadas before baking for browned, crispy results.
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Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning if needed.
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Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm beef filling is fully cooked.
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Let empanadas cool for 2-3 minutes before eating to allow filling to set.
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Store any leftovers in refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Following these useful tips will help you achieve bakery-style empanadas straight from your oven. Now you can skip frying and enjoy convenient Goya frozen beef empanadas anytime.
Serving Ideas for Baked Beef Empanadas
Baked Goya frozen beef empanadas are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
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As an appetizer for a crowd – great for parties or game day
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For a quick and easy weeknight dinner paired with a salad
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Topped with extra cheese, salsa, guacamole or sour cream
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Alongside Spanish rice or beans for a heartier meal
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For an on-the-go breakfast paired with eggs or fruit
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Packed in lunches for work or school
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As a hearty snack on road trips or hiking
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For a fun DIY taco bar – provide empanadas along with toppings
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Cut in half and serve open-faced with chimichurri drizzled on top
The possibilities are endless! Baked beef empanadas pair well with so many flavors. Get creative with toppings and sides based on your tastes.
Trying Other Empanada Fillings Beyond Beef
While Goya frozen beef empanadas are deliciously convenient, you can also try making your own empanadas at home with different fillings. Here are some tasty ideas:
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Shredded chicken – combine with salsa, onions, cilantro
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Chorizo and cheese – for a spicy, cheesy punch
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Black beans and corn – a vegetarian southwest flavor
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Carne asada – with sautéed peppers and onions
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Shrimp – seasoned with cumin, garlic and lime
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Chili verde pork – slow cooked green chili pork
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Buffalo chicken – chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese
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Caprese – mozzarella, tomato, basil and balsamic
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Apple pie – a sweet dessert version with cinnamon
The filling options are limitless depending on your tastes! Homemade empanadas do require more time to prepare the dough and fillings, but can be fun for special occasions.
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Empanadas at Home
Goya frozen beef empanadas provide a quick and convenient way to enjoy delicious Latin American-style empanadas at home. With just a simple baking method, you can skip frying and produce hot, crispy, flaky empanadas bursting with savory beef filling.
Use the tips above to achieve empanada perfection every time. Baked Goya frozen empanadas are sure to become a new favorite appetizer, meal, or snack in your home. So grab a box on your next grocery run and treat your taste buds to these handheld delights!
How to Freeze Empanadas
To make empanadas ahead of time, form the empanadas as shown in step 3. Then, place empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between empanadas so they do not touch. Transfer to freezer and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Wrap each frozen empanada tightly in plastic wrap; transfer to freezer-safe plastic bag. Empanadas can be kept frozen 3 months. To cook, bake empanadas from frozen state.
Goya Recipes – Beef Turnovers
FAQ
Can you bake goya frozen empanadas?
Can you bake frozen empanadas instead of frying?
Can Goya discos be baked instead of fried?
Can you bake empanadas instead of frying them?
Can you cook frozen Goya empanadas?
Store them in the freezer for up to three months and cook frozen Goya empanadas in the oven, toaster oven, or in the microwave for as little as 45 seconds. To bake Goya frozen empanadas, simply unwrap empanadas, place on a baking tray, preheat oven to 400° F, and bake until golden brown, for 8-10 minutes.
Are Goya beef empanadas fried?
Try our ready-made GOYA® Baked Beef Empanadas. Empanadas Argentinas are beef empanadas that Argentinian serve as appetizers at parties or as a simple, everyday lunch or dinner.Empanadas Argentinas are always baked instead of fried, so your family can enjoy them regularly, too.
How do you cook a beef empanada?
Make them in no time with authentic, pre-prepared GOYA® Empanada Dough-Puff Pastry for Baking. These beef empanadas —seasoned like empanadas you find in Buenos Aires—will delight anyone, no matter where you are. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes.
What is a Baked Beef empanada?
Perfect to serve as appetizers, party food, or for light meals. They’re finger-licking good! Developed by La Cocina Goya, Baked Beef Empanadas are pastries stuffed with the perfect combination of ground beef, bell pepper, tomato and onion. Perfectly seasoned beef flavored with bell pepper, tomato and onion in our traditional turnover.