Argentine Beef Empanadas
The only beef empanadas recipe you'll need! This easy and delicious Argentine recipe comes from Buenos Aires, and makes a tasty meal, appetizer, or snack anytime.
Prep Time45 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Argentine
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 77.97kcal
For the Filling
- olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or hot paprika increase for extra heat
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup green manzanilla olives chopped
- ⅓ cup walnuts toasted and chopped
- ⅓ cup raisins
- 1 hard-boiled egg chopped
For the Pastry
- 4-5 pie crusts or empanada dough
- 1 raw egg yolk
Making the Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking trays with parchment paper.
Toast the chopped walnuts in the oven until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then add the onion and garlic and sauté until they're soft and aromatic.
Add the ground beef to the pan and season generously with the spices. Cook until the beef is browned through, but don't overcook.
Mix the toasted walnuts, chopped olives, hard-boiled egg, and raisins into the beef. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Assembling & Baking the Empanadas
Roll out the empanada dough or pastry and cut into discs approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
Place a spoonful or two of the beef mixture in the center of each disc. Dab a little water around the edge of the disc to help it stick, then fold it in half and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork or stamp to crimp the seal, or fold it to create a rope-like design.
Place the empanadas on the prepared trays and brush them with the egg yolk.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are a light golden brown.
Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, then enjoy warm.
- Use homemade pastry or empanada dough if you can for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a leaner cut of ground beef for less grease and a wonderful flavor.
- Seal the empanadas with a damp finger and crimp them well to prevent them from bursting open or leaking in the oven.
Serving: 1empanada | Calories: 77.97kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.68g | Protein: 4.06g | Fat: 5.78g | Saturated Fat: 1.77g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.98g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.33g | Trans Fat: 0.23g | Cholesterol: 29.29mg | Sodium: 158.72mg | Potassium: 90.81mg | Fiber: 0.48g | Sugar: 0.29g | Vitamin A: 47.07IU | Vitamin C: 0.55mg | Calcium: 12.12mg | Iron: 0.62mg