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Classic Beef Empanadas

Golden, flaky empanadas filled with savory spiced beef, onions, and optional olives—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. A handheld classic packed with bold Latin flavor!

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Dinner Lunch Latin American

intermediate

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Total Servings: 12

  • 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup green olives (chopped, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 hard-boiled egg (chopped, optional)
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)

Steps

  1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Whisk egg, water, and vinegar in a separate bowl, then add to flour mixture. Knead into dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add beef, spices, tomato paste, and cook until browned. Stir in olives and hard-boiled egg (if using). Let cool.
  3. Assemble: Roll out dough and cut into 4-6 inch circles. Add a spoonful of filling to each. Fold, seal edges with a fork, and place on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake: Brush with egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.