Golden, flaky, and filled with savory goodness, empanadas are a beloved dish across Latin America, Spain, and beyond. Whether baked or fried, they’re essentially pastry pockets stuffed with delicious fillings like beef, chicken, vegetables, or cheese. The best part? You don’t need to be an expert cook to make them at home. This guide will show you how easy this empanadas recipe is—from dough to filling to the perfect finish.
🥟 Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (chilled, cut into cubes)
1 egg
½ cup cold water (add a little more if needed)
For the Filling (Classic Beef):
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup chopped olives (optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional, traditional in some versions)
For Assembly:
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the egg and water until the dough comes together.
Knead gently, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Stir in ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove from heat, then fold in olives and hard-boiled eggs if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thick.
Cut circles (about 4–5 inches wide) using a cutter or bowl.
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
Fold dough over into a half-moon shape, then crimp edges with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Bake or Fry
Bake: Brush with egg wash, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
💡 Pro Tips for Easy Empanadas
Shortcut dough: Use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry if you’re short on time.
Endless fillings: Try chicken, spinach and cheese, black beans, or even sweet fillings like apple-cinnamon.
Make ahead: Assemble and freeze before baking. Pop straight into the oven from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
Crispier crust: For baked empanadas, use an egg wash for shine and crunch.
🌟 Variations Around the World
Argentinian: Often filled with beef, onions, olives, and spices.
Spanish: Can include tuna, tomato, and peppers.
Filipino (Empanada de Kaliskis): Sometimes sweet and savory with chicken or pork.
Caribbean: Often spicier, with Scotch bonnet peppers or jerk seasoning.
Conclusion
From start to finish, this easy empanadas recipe proves that you don’t need to be a master chef to make these tasty pastry pockets. With simple ingredients and endless filling options, empanadas are perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them premade.