Craving something warm, flaky, and delicious? Then you’re going to love this Homemade empanadas recipe in minutes! Whether you prefer savory fillings like beef and cheese or sweet treats like apple cinnamon, empanadas are the ultimate comfort food. The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen — this easy recipe gives you that golden, crispy perfection in no time.
Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even lunch on the go, these empanadas are sure to become a family favorite in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada. Let’s get cooking!
🌮 Introduction: What Makes Empanadas So Special?
Empanadas are beloved across Latin America, Spain, and beyond — and for good reason. These delightful hand pies are made with pastry dough wrapped around a flavorful filling, then baked or fried until golden brown.
This Homemade empanadas recipe in minutes! captures everything people love about traditional empanadas — but with a quick and simple approach perfect for home cooks. You can customize them with meat, veggies, or even sweet fillings depending on your mood.
🥟 H2: Ingredients for the Perfect Homemade Empanadas
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 medium-sized empanadas.
🧂 H3: For the Dough
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1 egg
¼ cup cold water (add more if needed)
1 teaspoon vinegar (optional, for extra flakiness)
💡 Shortcut Tip: In a hurry? Use store-bought pie crust or refrigerated empanada discs to save time without losing flavor.
🍖 H3: For the Savory Filling (Beef & Veggie)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound ground beef or chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup tomato sauce
¼ cup shredded cheese (optional)
🍎 H3: For the Sweet Filling (Apple Cinnamon Option)
2 apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken)
👩🍳 H2: How to Make This Homemade Empanadas Recipe in Minutes
Follow these quick and easy steps for perfect empanadas every time!
🥣 H3: Step 1 – Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Cut in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add the egg, water, and vinegar. Mix until the dough forms.
Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the filling.
✨ Tip: Chilling helps the dough stay flaky when baked or fried.
🍳 H3: Step 2 – Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onions, peppers, and garlic — sauté until soft.
Stir in ground beef, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Cook until browned, then add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
💡 Want it creamy? Add shredded cheese once the mixture cools for a melty texture.
🥟 H3: Step 3 – Assemble the Empanadas
Roll out your dough on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛-inch thick.
Cut circles about 4–5 inches wide (a bowl works perfectly!).
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over and press the edges with a fork to seal.
✨ Sweet version: Use the apple cinnamon filling instead of beef for a dessert-style empanada!
🔥 H3: Step 4 – Bake or Fry
To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Brush the empanadas with a beaten egg for a golden crust.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
To Fry:
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each empanada for about 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.
Drain on paper towels before serving.
🧀 H2: Serving Suggestions
Serve your Homemade empanadas recipe in minutes! warm with one of these delicious pairings:
For Savory Empanadas: Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
For Sweet Empanadas: Powdered sugar dusting or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
They also pair wonderfully with a light salad, rice dish, or even a cup of soup.
🌶 Pro Tip: Try dipping beef empanadas in chimichurri for a bold flavor kick!
🕒 H2: Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Empanadas are fantastic for meal prepping — here’s how to save time later:
Make-Ahead Dough: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
Freeze Before Baking: Place assembled empanadas on a tray and freeze until solid. Then, store in freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen (just add 5–10 minutes to baking time).
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to bring back that crisp texture.
💡 H2: Quick Tips for Success
✅ Don’t overfill the empanadas — it makes sealing harder.
✅ Seal edges tightly to prevent leaks during cooking.
✅ Chill the filled empanadas for 10 minutes before baking for a crisper crust.
✅ Use a fork or crimped edge for that classic empanada look.
✅ Mix up fillings! Try ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or Nutella and banana.
🥰 H2: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Homemade empanadas recipe in minutes! is:
✅ Quick — ready in under an hour!
✅ Versatile — works for sweet or savory fillings.
✅ Family-friendly — kids love helping with assembly.
✅ Perfect for parties, snacks, or lunchboxes.
Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, empanadas bring warmth, flavor, and fun to any occasion.
🎉 Conclusion: The Perfect Empanadas Every Time
With this Homemade empanadas recipe in minutes!, you’ll master a dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. From the flaky crust to the flavorful fillings, every bite feels like a little celebration.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite ingredients, and create a batch of empanadas that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Quick to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious — these empanadas prove that homemade really is best!