How to Make the Perfect Argentine Beef Empanadas
Argentine · Medium · 70 min · 12 servings
Flaky golden pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef, olives, and hard-boiled eggs in the classic Mendoza style. These handheld savory pastries are a staple at every Argentine gathering and celebration.
Why this recipe works
This Argentine Beef Empanadas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 70 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g ground beef
- 12 pieces empanada dough discs
- 2 pieces hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 50 g green olives pitted and sliced
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 piece egg beaten for egg wash
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Filling
Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and sliced olives. Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Fill the Empanadas
Place a generous spoonful of the cooled filling into the center of each dough disc. Do not overfill or the empanadas will burst during baking. Fold the dough over and press the edges firmly together.
Step 3: Crimp and Seal
Use your fingers or a fork to crimp the sealed edge of each empanada creating a decorative rope pattern. This also ensures a tight seal that prevents the filling from leaking out during cooking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Brush each empanada with beaten egg wash and arrange on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 22 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and crisp.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground turkey for a leaner version of the filling
- empanada dough discs → store-bought pie crust cut into circles as a shortcut
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding the filling while it is still hot which makes the dough soggy and difficult to seal
- Overfilling the discs which causes the empanadas to burst open during baking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 18g protein, 28g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →