Beef Empanadas
Crispy golden pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, olives, and spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course with traditional Mexican flavors.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 12
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 12g

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup green olives, chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 to taste salt and black pepper
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup ice water
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add ground beef and brown, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- 4
Stir in chopped olives, raisins, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until liquid reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Cool completely.
- 5
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together egg and ice water. Pour into flour mixture and stir until dough comes together.
- 7
Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- 8
Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 12 circles using a 4-inch cutter.
- 9
Place 2 tablespoons filling on each circle. Fold in half and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp with a fork.
- 10
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or deep fryer. Brush empanadas with beaten egg.
- 11
Fry empanadas in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Tools you’ll need
- large skillet
- large mixing bowl
- small mixing bowl
- whisk
- rolling pin
- 4-inch round cutter
- fork
- deep pot or deep fryer
- candy/deep-fry thermometer
- paper towels
- wooden spoon
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