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Crispy Argentine Empanadas Recipe with Juicy Beef Filling Made Easy

crispy Argentine empanadas - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy Argentine empanadas with a juicy, flavorful beef filling, perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal. The flaky dough and savory filling create an irresistible snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) cold water
  • 1 large egg (for brushing)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, preferably lean with some fat
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ cup (40 g) green olives, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, mixing until dough just comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef, cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. Combine Filling Add-Ins: Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs and green olives once beef mixture is cool.
  4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 4-5 inch circles using a cutter or bowl.
  5. Fill and Shape: Place about 2 tablespoons of beef filling in center of each dough circle. Fold dough over to form half-moon shape. Press edges together and crimp with fork or pinch and twist to seal.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush tops of empanadas lightly for a golden finish.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let empanadas cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure flakiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef. Drain excess fat to prevent soggy empanadas. Seal edges tightly to avoid leaks. Bake on parchment or silicone mat for even browning. Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness. Dough can be made ahead and stored in fridge. Freeze unbaked empanadas on tray before transferring to freezer bag.

Nutrition

Keywords: empanadas, Argentine empanadas, beef empanadas, crispy empanadas, savory pastries, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck recipe