Aji Verde-Infused Beef Empanadas with Cilantro

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky, golden pastry pockets filled with spiced ground beef and a vibrant green aji sauce, offering a perfect balance of heat and freshness. This puerto rican-inspired mexican ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, olive oil, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Puerto Rican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add ground beef, cumin, smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt. Break up meat with a spoon and cook for 8 minutes until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice, then let cool for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 1 tablespoon of cooled beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
  5. Step 5: Fold tortillas over filling, crimp edges with a fork, and brush with a light coat of water to seal.
  6. Step 6: Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 18 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: While baking, blend avocado, remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a blender until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Serve empanadas warm with a dollop of avocado aji verde sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aji Verde-Infused Beef Empanadas with Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Aji Verde-Infused Beef Empanadas with Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aji Verde-Infused Beef Empanadas with Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Aji Verde-Infused Beef Empanadas with Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Aji Verde-Infused Beef Empanadas with Cilantro?

Puerto Rican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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