Here’s a simple recipe for crispy, golden-baked empanadas with a savory filling. You can customize the filling, but I’ll give you a classic beef and onion version to get started.
🥟 Baked Empanadas
🍽️ Makes: About 12
⏱️ Time: ~1 hour (including dough chilling)
🛒 Ingredients:
For the dough:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1 egg
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1/2 cup cold water (or as needed)
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1 tbsp white vinegar
For the beef filling:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
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1/4 cup raisins (optional, for sweet contrast)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
For assembling:
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
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Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Beat the egg with water and vinegar, then gradually add to flour mixture, stirring until dough forms.
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Knead lightly, form a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
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Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
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Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 more minutes.
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Remove from heat, mix in olives, raisins, and chopped egg if using. Let cool.
3. Assemble the empanadas:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
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Cut into 4-5 inch circles (use a bowl or cutter).
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Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling on one half of each circle.
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Fold dough over to create a half-moon shape and press edges to seal (use a fork to crimp).
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Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake:
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Brush empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
🍽️ Serve with:
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Chimichurri or salsa verde
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Sour cream or guacamole
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Fresh salad
Want a vegetarian filling, chicken empanadas, or a shortcut using store-bought dough? I got you!
