Golden, flaky, and stuffed with irresistible fillings—empanadas are one of those dishes that instantly make people happy. Whether you bake or fry them, serve them as snacks or a full meal, this empanadas recipe is simple enough for beginners and tasty enough to impress everyone at the table.
Let’s dive in 👇
What Are Empanadas?
Empanadas are handheld pastries filled with savory or sweet ingredients, then baked or fried until crisp. They’re popular across Latin America, Spain, and beyond—each region adding its own twist.
You’ll find empanadas filled with:
Beef
Chicken
Cheese
Vegetables
Even sweet fillings like fruit or dulce de leche
Why Everyone Loves This Empanadas Recipe
Crispy on the outside, juicy inside
Easy to customize
Perfect for meal prep
Great for parties, lunches, or dinners
Freezer-friendly
Once you try them homemade, store-bought won’t compare.
Ingredients for Classic Beef Empanadas
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ cup cold butter (cubed)
1 egg
¾ cup cold water (as needed)
(You can also use ready-made empanada discs if short on time.)
For the Filling
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: chopped olives, boiled egg, or raisins
Step-by-Step Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Mix flour and salt in a bowl
Cut in cold butter until crumbly
Add egg and cold water gradually
Knead lightly until smooth
Wrap and chill for 30 minutes
✔ Chilling helps create flaky empanadas
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan
Sauté onion until soft
Add garlic and spices
Add ground beef and cook until browned
Season and let cool completely
⚠️ Never fill empanadas with hot filling—it causes leaks!
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Roll dough thin
Cut into 4–5 inch circles
Add 1–2 tbsp filling to the center
Fold into a half-moon
Seal edges with a fork or crimp
Step 4: Bake or Fry
Baked Empanadas
Brush with egg wash
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes
Golden and crisp perfection
Fried Empanadas
Fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden
Drain on paper towels
Both methods are delicious—choose your vibe!
Popular Empanada Filling Ideas
Chicken & cheese
Spinach & feta
Mushroom & onion
Cheese only (kids love this!)
Apple cinnamon (dessert empanadas)
This empanadas recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Pro Tips for Perfect Empanadas Every Time
Don’t overfill
Seal edges tightly
Keep dough cold
Let filling cool fully
Freeze before baking for extra crispness
These small steps make a BIG difference.
How to Store & Freeze Empanadas
Fridge: Up to 3 days, cooked
Freezer: Up to 2 months (uncooked)
Bake straight from frozen—just add 5 minutes
Perfect for busy days!
Best Sauces to Serve with Empanadas
Chimichurri
Salsa verde
Garlic yogurt sauce
Spicy mayo
Simple tomato salsa
A good dip takes empanadas to the next level 🔥
Conclusion: A Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
This empanadas recipe delivers everything you want—crispy dough, bold filling, and total comfort food vibes. Whether you bake or fry, go classic or creative, empanadas are always a win.
Once you master this recipe, you’ll never run out of delicious ideas.