Traditional Argentinian Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas are a beloved Argentinian snack, offering a comforting taste of home. This recipe, featuring a savory beef filling and a golden, flaky crust, is perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing with friends. Learn how to make these delicious pastries, complete with tips for customization and preparation.
A plate with three Argentinian empanadas, one cut open to reveal a savory meat filling, garnished with olives. A fork and white napkin are beside the plate.
A white plate with six Argentinian empanadas arranged in a circular pattern, garnished with black olives and shredded meat at the center, placed on a light grey background.

Traditional Argentinian Empanadas Recipe

A man in a chef's uniform standing in front of a bar.Andre Dupont
Traditional Argentinian pastries filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, perfect for a comforting snack.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Meal Type Appetizers, Snacks
Cuisine Argentinian
Servings 4
Calories 676 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $6.50
Shopping Cost$31

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
  • ¼ cup water cold
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 hard-boiled egg chopped
  • 10 green olives sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup water
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion, 1 clove garlic
  • Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned. Stir in chopped hard-boiled egg and sliced olives. Remove from heat and let cool.
    1/2 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 hard-boiled egg, 10 green olives
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles.
  • Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
  • Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg.
    1 egg
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or chicken.
These empanadas can be frozen before baking for later use.

Nutrition

Calories: 676kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 19gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 512mgPotassium: 301mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1112IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Argentinian Snack, Comfort Food, Empanadas, Savory Pastries

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Empanadas are more than just a snack for our dedicated boxer from Buenos Aires—they’re a taste of home and a comforting reminder of family and tradition. After moving to Madrid to pursue better training opportunities, these savory pastries have become a go-to treat, offering both nourishment and a connection to his roots. Made with a flavorful beef filling and a golden, flaky crust, they’re perfect for refueling after a tough day in the gym or sharing with friends at the local community center.

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