Name: Delicious Empanadas
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1/4 cup chopped olives or diced bell peppers (optional); 10 empanada dough discs or 2 pie crusts, cut into 4–5 inch circles; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Golden, flaky, and stuffed with richly seasoned ground beef, these Delicious Empanadas are a handheld dream. With every bite, you get a burst of savory spices wrapped in buttery pastry that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, a quick lunch, or a comforting dinner, empanadas deliver both warmth and wow factor.

Empanadas are more than just a snack—they’re a cultural icon loved across Latin America and beyond. Their magic lies in the balance of textures: crisp pastry outside, juicy filling inside. This version leans into a traditional ground beef filling that’s kissed with garlic, onions, and a hint of smokiness. Once baked to golden perfection, these pockets are impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Empanadas

Family-Friendly: These empanadas are a hit with all ages.
Customizable: You can swap the beef for chicken, beans, or even cheese.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for later.
Perfect Texture: Buttery crust meets juicy, flavorful filling.
Great for Entertaining: Serve these up at your next gathering—they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making empanadas is easy when you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening dough evenly, so each empanada cooks uniformly.
Round Cutter or Small Bowl: For cutting the dough into perfect circles. Consistency is key for even baking.
Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even browning when cooking the beef filling.
Fork: To crimp and seal the edges—this creates that iconic ridged look and keeps the filling inside.
Baking Sheet + Parchment Paper: Ensures the empanadas bake evenly and don’t stick.
Pastry Brush: For brushing egg wash over the top to achieve a glossy, golden finish.

Ingredients for the Delicious Empanadas

Each ingredient in these Delicious Empanadas plays an essential role in building deep flavor and perfect texture:

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the filling, rich and satisfying.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it sautés with the beef.
Garlic: Brings warmth and a savory kick to the mixture.
Smoked Paprika: Infuses the filling with a gentle smoky flavor.
Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness and a hint of spice.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavor.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated richness and slight acidity that binds everything.
Chopped Olives or Bell Peppers (optional): Adds a briny or sweet contrast.
Pre-made Empanada Dough Discs or Pie Crust: Flaky, golden pastry ready to fold.
Egg (for egg wash): Helps the crust bake to a golden, glossy finish.

How To Make the Delicious Empanadas

Step 1: Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown. Add diced onions and cook until soft, then stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and aromatic. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Prep the Dough Circles

If using pre-made dough, lay out the discs on a flat surface. If using pie crust, roll it out and use a round cutter or bowl to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches wide).

Step 3: Fill and Fold

Place a heaping spoonful of the cooled beef mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the sealed empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Best Way to Serve and Store Delicious Empanadas

Delicious Empanadas are most irresistible when served warm right out of the oven. Pair them with a cooling dip like sour cream, a fresh salsa, or a cilantro-lime crema to balance the rich filling. They’re also excellent with a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the empanadas cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes—this helps them stay crispy instead of soggy. You can also freeze them before or after baking for longer storage. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent empanadas from getting soggy?

Make sure the filling is completely cooled before sealing it in the dough. Also, avoid overfilling and ensure edges are tightly sealed.

Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and fill the empanadas, then refrigerate or freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes.

Can I fry them instead of baking?

Absolutely. Frying gives them an extra crisp exterior. Heat oil in a skillet and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

What other fillings work well?

Chicken, cheese and spinach, pulled pork, or even sweet fillings like guava and cream cheese work wonderfully.

Do I need to use egg wash?

Using egg wash helps give that golden, glossy look, but you can skip it or use milk for a more matte finish.

How can I make these vegetarian?

Swap the beef for a mix of mushrooms, black beans, and cheese or try lentils with veggies for a protein-rich alternative.

Want More Handheld Savory Ideas?

If you love these Delicious Empanadas, you’re going to be obsessed with these other savory bites from my kitchen:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for melty, grab-and-go satisfaction.
Chicken Street Tacos for fresh flavors and a street food vibe.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with bold, creamy heat.
Rotel Chicken Salad Dip for a quick party-ready appetizer.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for indulgent comfort food that still feels elegant.

These recipes are all big on flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go spicy or stick to the classic filling? Maybe tried cheese or chicken instead?

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