Name: Delicious Empanadas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 0.5 pound ground beef; 0.5 small onion finely chopped 1 garlic clove minced; 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Salt and pepper to taste; 0.25 cup tomato sauce 1 tablespoon chopped green olives (optional) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro 1 package empanada dough discs or homemade dough 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Golden, crispy, and packed with savory flavor, these delicious empanadas are everything you crave in a handheld snack. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or packing something extra tasty for lunch, these half-moon delights never disappoint. With a flaky crust and seasoned filling, they hit the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.

Empanadas come in many variations across cultures, but this classic recipe leans into a bold, flavorful beef filling with hints of cumin, garlic, and paprika. Baked or fried, each bite brings a satisfying crunch followed by juicy richness. They’re surprisingly simple to make and perfect for freezing too.

What Kind of Dough Should I Use for Empanadas?

You can use store-bought pie crust or empanada discs for ease, but making your own dough allows you to adjust texture and seasoning to your liking. For baked empanadas, look for dough that’s buttery and tender. If frying, aim for a firmer dough that holds up to high heat. Either way, chilled dough is key for shaping.

Ingredients for the Delicious Empanadas

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon chopped green olives (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade dough)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How To Make the Delicious Empanadas

Step 1: Cook the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and olives, then simmer for 5 minutes. Finish with chopped cilantro. Let cool.

Step 2: Fill and Seal the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal. For extra crispness, chill for 15 minutes before baking.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve and Store Delicious Empanadas

Empanadas are best served warm, paired with a dipping sauce like chimichurri, garlic aioli, or even a spicy salsa. For a casual gathering, plate them with lime wedges and fresh herbs. They’re just as good the next day — store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven to keep them crisp.

To freeze, assemble uncooked empanadas and lay them flat in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep empanadas from opening while baking?

Make sure the edges are sealed well. You can also crimp with a fork and brush a bit of water around the edge to help it stick.

Can I fry these empanadas instead?

Absolutely. Just heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

What other fillings can I use?

Try shredded chicken, cheese and spinach, black beans and corn, or even dessert versions like apple cinnamon.

Is the olive addition necessary?

No, it adds a briny punch but can be skipped or swapped for raisins or chopped egg for a traditional twist.

Can I make the dough at home?

Yes! Homemade empanada dough uses flour, butter, salt, egg, and cold water. It’s simple and lets you adjust flavor and flakiness.

Want More Savory Handheld Ideas?

If these empanadas made your tastebuds happy, check out these other savory treats:

Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a cheesy, spicy twist on pizza.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta when you’re craving a baked pasta classic.
Cheesy Pizza Bombs for an ooey-gooey pocket of pizza delight.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole for Tex-Mex flavor in a simple bake.
Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner when you want something wholesome yet bold.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board to revisit whenever the craving hits.

Tried these empanadas? Let me know in the comments how you filled them! Did you keep them classic or get creative with the filling?

Follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes for more craveable recipes like this.

Delicious Empanadas

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 empanadas

Print Recipe

Description

These golden, savory empanadas are stuffed with a flavorful beef filling and baked to flaky perfection. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, they’re an easy way to bring bold Latin flavors to your table.