How to Make the Perfect Mini Empanadas
Latin American · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
These mini empanadas are a kid friendly recipe featuring flaky golden pastry pockets stuffed with mildly seasoned ground beef that little hands love to hold. Inspired by Latin American cuisine these bite-sized pockets make dinner feel like a special occasion.
Why this recipe works
This Mini Empanadas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 20g 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:
- 0.5 lb ground beef
- 1 package store-bought pie crust dough
- 0.25 cup mild salsa
- 0.5 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tsp mild cumin
- 1 large egg beaten for egg wash
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes breaking it apart until cooked through. Drain excess fat then stir in mild salsa and cumin. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Cut the Dough Circles
Roll out pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface and use a 4 inch round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles. Re-roll scraps to get as many circles as possible.
Step 3: Fill and Seal
Place 1 tablespoon of beef filling and a pinch of shredded cheese in the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over to create a half moon shape and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush each sealed empanada with beaten egg and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 18 to 20 minutes until deeply golden and puffed.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- ground beef → ground chicken or turkey for a lighter filling
- store-bought pie crust → refrigerated biscuit dough pressed flat as an easy shortcut
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the empanadas which prevents proper sealing and causes them to burst open while baking
- Skipping the egg wash which results in pale dull empanadas instead of a beautiful golden crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 20g protein, 34g carbs, 18g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →