These quick copycat crescent roll empanadas are a great midweek dinner for a fun spin on taco night.

Using ground beef, seasonings and other classic ingredients, this recipe makes a delicious addition to your meal plan.

We are all about simplicity around here and it’s even better when the kids can help (like with this grilled cheese in the air fryer).

It’s hard to be adventurous in the kitchen every single day. Sometimes you just need a gimme meal. Add some wine, and you’re ready to roll!

Sometimes I reach for a comforting bowl of buffalo chicken mac and cheese and sometimes I want something even easier.

These easy crescent roll empanadas are perfect for a busy weeknight when you don’t have a lot of time. Level up with these easy no-bake dessert cheesecake cups!

Crescent Roll Empanadas Shopping List

This recipe is affordable and easy to make and if I do say so myself, quite tasty! Serve with a bowl of cilantro lime rice for the perfect meal.

To make this easy recipe, you will need:

• Crescent rolls
• Ground beef
• Onions
• Taco seasoning
• Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes (optional toppings)

Make Beef Empanadas at Home

When I was living in Peru I fell in love with empanadas. So much that I ate them every chance I got! 

I love recreating my favorite meals, but there is something about an authentic empanada that can’t be duplicated.

That’s why I call my recipe fake’n’bake empanadas! 

They are close enough when I can’t get the real thing and super easy to make or when I don’t have all the ingredients for the more hearty chili pie recipe. 

Easy Crescent Roll Empanadas Recipe

This is a great recipe to get kids in the kitchen. You can brown the beef and onions if you want to keep small hands from using the stove.

Then let the kids stir in the remaining ingredients including seasonings and diced tomatoes with green chiles,

Spoon in the filling onto the crescent rolls and roll up.

Watching through the oven glass til the crescent rolls turn golden brown is still one of my favorite things to do!

This is one of those weeknight recipes that feels homemade but is super easy.

Great twist on taco Tuesday! How about empanadas every day!

Want more crescent recipes? Try these cranberry orange crescent rolls.

Print the Recipe: Crescent Roll Empanadas

Have you made empanadas before? Let me know your favorite fillings!

Post updated from March 2010.