Empanadas
These Argentine Empanadas are flaky, golden pastries filled with a savory blend of ground beef, spices, and vegetables. Perfect for a snack or a party, these empanadas are sure to please everyone!

Prep
30 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Level
Medium
Serves
12
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.

Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2
Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- 3
In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- 4
Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in the bell pepper, cumin, paprika, black pepper, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- 5
Remove from heat and mix in the green onions and parsley. Let the filling cool slightly.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
- 7
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- 8
Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
- 9
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm, drizzled with olive oil.
Tips
For a lighter dough, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Add some chopped olives to the beef filling for extra flavor.
Serve with a simple salad for a complete meal.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat empanadas in a toaster oven or oven for best crispiness.
Substitutions
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Replace butter with vegetable shortening for a dairy-free version.
What to Serve With
- Mixed green salad
- Chimichurri sauce
- Rice pilaf
Common Mistakes
- Overfilling the empanadas can cause them to burst while baking.
- Not sealing the edges properly can lead to leaks during baking.
Recipe FAQ
Can I freeze these empanadas?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with empanadas?
Empanadas pair well with a fresh salad, chimichurri sauce, or a tangy dipping sauce.
How do I know when the empanadas are done?
The empanadas are done when they are golden brown and flaky on the outside.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Skillet
Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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