How to Make Empanada Recipe: Flaky Homemade Dough & Savory Beef Filling
Quick Snapshot: How to Make Empanada Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Servings: 12 empanadas
- Calories: ~280 kcal per empanada
Why You Will Love Learning How to Make Empanada Recipe Pastry
Mastering how to make empanada recipe crusts at home brings distinct advantages to your weekly cooking routine:
- Freezer-Friendly: Assemble a batch in advance, freeze them raw, and bake directly from frozen whenever you want an easy handheld meal option.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust: Learning how to make empanada recipe dough ensures a pastry shell that holds its shape while remaining tender.
- Versatile Fillings: Once you understand how to make empanada recipe bases, you can easily swap beef for chicken, cheese, or vegetables.
- Handheld Convenience: Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or packing into lunchboxes.
Ingredients for How to Make Empanada Recipe Dough & Filling
When studying how to make empanada recipe components from scratch, keep these basic pantry ingredients ready for both the dough and savory filling:
Empanada Dough Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup cold water (or chilled beef broth)
Savory Beef Filling
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1 large hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Empanada Recipe Steps
Follow these simple sequential instructions to learn how to make empanada recipe pastries with ease and precision.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Work the cold cubed butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Whisk the egg with cold water, pour into the flour mixture, and stir until a smooth dough forms. Knead gently for 1 minute, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 4 minutes). Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned throughout. Season with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped olives or hard-boiled egg if desired, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4.5 to 5-inch round cutter (or a bowl) to cut out dough circles. Re-roll scraps to cut out remaining rounds for your how to make empanada recipe assembly.
- Fill and Seal: Place 2 tablespoons of cooled beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges tightly to seal. Crimp the edges with the tines of a fork or fold them into a decorative rope pattern.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Transfer empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops evenly with the egg wash. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and flaky. Always ensure ground meats reach safe cooking thresholds as outlined in the USDA Food Safety Guidelines.
Pro Chef Tips for How to Make Empanada Recipe Success
For more delicious meal ideas, explore our full collection of options in our dinner recipes category, check out mid-day ideas in our lunch section, or discover morning inspiration in our breakfast collection.
- Cool the Filling Completely: Never place hot filling onto raw dough when following how to make empanada recipe guides. Warm filling melts the butter in the crust, making it soggy and difficult to seal.
- Prevent Pastry Bursts: Prick a small hole with a toothpick on top of each empanada before baking to allow steam to escape smoothly. Learn more about pastry chemistry on the King Arthur Baking Guide.
- Save Room for Dessert: After enjoying these savory pastries, finish your meal with a sweet treat from our dessert recipes page.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Empanada Recipe
Can I bake instead of fry when learning how to make empanada recipe options?
Yes! This recipe is specifically designed for baking at 400°F (200°C), which yields a crispy, golden crust with less oil. If you prefer deep frying, fry them in neutral oil at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
How do I freeze unbaked pastries when following how to make empanada recipe instructions?
Arrange assembled, unbaked empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours until solid. Transfer them to a freezer zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 400°F, adding 5 extra minutes to the baking time. If you have custom catering questions, feel free to contact us directly.
Why is my dough tough instead of flaky when practicing how to make empanada recipe dough?
Over-kneading the dough develops too much gluten, making the crust tough. Knead just until the ingredients combine, and always keep your butter cold when mixing.