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Savory meat empanadas are a deliciously satisfying treat that can elevate any gathering. With a golden-brown, flaky crust and a savory filling of spiced ground beef, these little pockets of goodness are perfect for parties, snacks, or even a cozy dinner. They’re easy to make, and their irresistible aroma will have everyone flocking to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These savory meat empanadas are not just tasty; they’re also versatile and fun to make. You can customize the filling to your liking, and they’re a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later!
- Flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
- Spiced beef filling that packs a flavor punch.
- Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering.
- Easy to customize with different fillings.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for topping)
How to Make Savory Meat Empanadas
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in cumin, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 4-inch round cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure the butter is very cold for a flakier crust.
- Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting during baking.
- Chill the dough before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Experiment with different spices in the beef filling for a unique flavor twist.
Easy Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or olives to the filling for extra texture.
- Use shredded cheese in the filling for a cheesy empanada.
- Try a sweet filling with fruits and spices for a dessert version.
What to Serve With It
- Fresh salsa or chimichurri for dipping.
- A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Guacamole for a creamy contrast.
- Pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked empanadas; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for topping)
Instructions:
- Combine flour and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Add water, form a ball, and refrigerate.
- Cook onion in a skillet until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in cumin, pepper, and salt. Remove from heat and cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out dough, cut circles, and fill with beef mixture.
- Seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes: For extra flakiness, keep all ingredients cold, and don’t skip chilling the dough!





















