Classic Beef Empanadas (Full Recipe)

Yield

• 8–10 empanadas

Total Time

• Prep: 30 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 100g cold butter (cubed)
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• 4–6 tbsp cold water

Filling

• 300g ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Optional: chopped olives or boiled eggs

Extra

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

• Mix flour + salt
• Cut in cold butter until crumbly
• Add egg + cold water → form dough
• Chill 20 minutes

👉 Cold dough = flaky layers

Step 2: Cook the Filling

• Sauté onion until soft
• Add garlic + beef → cook until browned
• Add paprika, cumin, salt, pepper
• Stir in tomato paste

👉 Let it cool before stuffing

Step 3: Shape Empanadas

• Roll dough thin
• Cut into circles (~12 cm)
• Add filling in center
• Fold and seal edges (use fork or crimp)

Step 4: Bake

• Brush with egg wash
• Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes
• Until golden brown

Step 5: Serve

• Let cool slightly
• Serve with sauce (chimichurri, chili sauce, or mayo dip)

Flavor Profile

• Buttery, flaky crust
• Savory, juicy beef filling
• Warm spices (paprika + cumin)

Pro Tips

• Don’t overfill → easier sealing
• Always cool filling before using
• Seal edges tight to prevent leaking

Variations

• Swap beef → chicken or tuna
• Add cheese for melty center
• Fry instead of bake for extra crisp