Delicious Empanadas

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Golden, flaky, and filled with savory goodness, these Delicious Empanadas are everything you want in a handheld comfort food. The crisp outer crust gives way to a juicy, flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and just the right hint of spice. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or need an easy finger food for a party, these empanadas deliver every time.

The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. You can bake or fry them, make them big or small, and fill them with virtually anything. But this version sticks to the classic: a hearty, cheesy ground beef mixture that’s satisfying, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. They’re easy to prep ahead of time and freeze, making them ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining.

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Why You’ll Love This Delicious Empanadas Recipe

This empanada recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple, flavorful, and family-approved. Using pre-made pie dough or pastry sheets speeds up the process, while the filling is made from everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. They bake to a golden crisp without deep frying, so you can indulge with a little less guilt.

Plus, they make excellent leftovers and freeze beautifully, so you can have a stash ready to go anytime. Kids love them, adults crave them, and they make a fabulous addition to lunchboxes, party trays, or casual weeknight dinners.

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What Kind of Pastry Should I Use for Empanadas?

Great question! While empanada dough is available in Latin markets, it’s completely fine to use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry for ease and convenience. Pie crust delivers a flaky, buttery shell while puff pastry gives you that light, airy crunch. If you prefer a slightly chewy bite, refrigerated biscuit or pizza dough also works well.

No matter what dough you choose, make sure to roll it out slightly for even thickness and crimp the edges well to avoid leaks during baking. And always brush with an egg wash for that beautiful golden finish.

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Ingredients for the Delicious Empanadas

To make these mouthwatering empanadas, you’ll only need a handful of accessible, flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in crafting the rich, satisfying filling and golden, flaky exterior.

• Ground Beef – The hearty base of the filling, seasoned to perfection for a rich, meaty flavor.
• Onion – Finely chopped to blend into the filling and add a sweet-savory depth.
• Garlic – Brings an aromatic punch and enhances the beefy flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Adds umami and helps bind the filling with a touch of richness.
• Smoked Paprika – Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
• Cumin – Infuses a warm, earthy note that’s classic in Latin-style dishes.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully inside and adds a creamy, sharp contrast to the beef.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing and brightening all the other flavors.
• Pie Crust or Puff Pastry – Store-bought and rolled out thin; gives you a crispy, buttery shell without the extra effort.
• Egg (for Egg Wash) – Brushed on top for that signature golden, glossy finish.

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How To Make the Delicious Empanadas

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Delicious Empanadas that turn out perfectly golden and flavorful every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Once the beef filling has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will slightly melt into the meat, making the filling creamy and cohesive.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Roll out your pie crust or puff pastry on a floured surface. Cut out circles using a bowl or large cookie cutter (about 4-6 inches in diameter). Spoon a tablespoon or two of filling into the center of each circle. Fold over to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 4: Egg Wash & Bake

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat one egg and brush the tops of the empanadas for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and avoids burns from hot steam inside. Serve warm for the best experience.

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How to Serve and Store Delicious Empanadas

These Delicious Empanadas are incredibly versatile and easy to serve. They make a perfect main course when paired with a side dish, or a satisfying snack all on their own. This recipe yields about 12 empanadas and can easily feed 4 to 6 people, depending on serving size.

To serve, let them cool slightly so the filling settles, then plate them with a side of dipping sauce or salsa. For parties, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and small sauce bowls for a grab-and-go snack. If you’re making them ahead of time, you can reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warm and crispy.

For storing, allow empanadas to cool completely. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place uncooked or fully baked empanadas in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Always reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.

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What to Serve With Delicious Empanadas?

Empanadas are filling on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can take your meal to the next level. Here are some delicious recommendations:

Fresh Avocado Salad

Light and refreshing, a salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lime juice adds a creamy, citrusy balance to the savory empanadas.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Fluffy rice seasoned with lime and chopped cilantro provides a bright, herby contrast that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the filling.

Black Beans or Refried Beans

A classic Latin pairing, beans add protein and richness to make your meal heartier.

Mango Salsa

This sweet and spicy salsa brings a pop of color and a fruity twist that complements the smokiness of the empanadas.

Sour Cream or Spicy Aioli

Dipping sauces like a chipotle aioli or plain sour cream give you that creamy, cooling finish with each bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes! Empanadas are great for meal prepping. You can make the filling up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Assembled empanadas can be frozen either baked or unbaked. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F until golden and heated through.

Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking?

Absolutely. While baking is easier and a bit healthier, frying gives you a super crispy and indulgent crust. Heat oil to 350°F and fry each empanada for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.

What other fillings can I use?

The beauty of empanadas is their flexibility. Try shredded chicken, pulled pork, beans and cheese, or even sweet fillings like apple-cinnamon for dessert empanadas. For more inspiration, check out our full collection of dinner ideas and snack recipes.

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, you can make empanada dough from scratch using flour, butter, and a bit of water. It’ll take more time, but you can control the texture and flavor better. Look for recipes that include a bit of vinegar or egg for added tenderness.

How do I prevent empanadas from opening while baking?

Make sure you don’t overfill them and always press the edges tightly with a fork. Brushing the edges with a bit of water or egg before sealing also helps create a secure bond. Finally, don’t skip the egg wash – it helps to lock in the seal and gives that glossy finish.

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