Dinner

Beef Empanadas

Name: Beef Empanadas
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 large onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup water; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp raisins, chopped; 2 tbsp green olives, chopped; 1 lb store-bought empanada dough discs (or 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Crispy, flaky empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and a touch of cumin. These handheld pastries are a classic Latin American favorite, perfect served warm with chimichurri or hot sauce.

248calper serving 10gprotein 24gcarbs 13gfat 35min prep 25min cook 12serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Beef Empanadas — common questions

Can I bake empanadas instead of frying?

Yes. Brush them with egg wash and bake at 375°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. They will be less crispy but still delicious and much less oily.

Can I freeze empanadas before cooking?

Absolutely. Arrange uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes per side to cooking time.

What's the most common mistake?

Overfilling the empanadas—this causes them to burst open and leak filling during frying. Use exactly 2 tbsp filling per disc and leave a ½-inch border all around.

What do I serve with empanadas?

Chimichurri sauce, hot sauce, or a simple sour cream–cilantro dip all work beautifully. Many people also serve them with a fresh lime wedge for squeezing.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and the crust re-crisps. Do not microwave, as they become soggy.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead of empanada discs?

Yes. Thaw 2 sheets of puff pastry, cut 3-inch circles with a biscuit cutter, and proceed as directed. The result will be slightly crispier and less traditional but still very tasty.