Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

Argentinian Beef Empanadas are a favorite snack in Argentina, filled with savory beef, onions, and spices. These hand-held pastries are perfect for on-the-go meals or as an appetizer at gatherings. They pair wonderfully with Argentine grilled provolone, creating a balance of creamy and savory flavors. Often enjoyed with a side of authentic chimichurri, these empanadas are a staple in Argentine cuisine, showcasing the country’s love for bold, hearty flavors and simple, quality ingredients.

During our trip to Argentina, Laurel and I couldn’t resist trying the famous Argentinian Beef Empanadas. These beautifully crafted pastries were a sight to behold, with their golden, flaky crusts encasing a flavorful filling. Each empanada was perfectly shaped, with neatly crimped edges that hinted at the care and precision that went into their preparation. The rich aroma of the beef inside was mouth-watering, making it hard to wait before diving in.

Reflecting on the experience, the Argentinian Beef Empanadas stood out as a highlight of our culinary exploration. The combination of the tender beef filling and the crisp, golden pastry was simply irresistible. This dish, much like the Argentinian red king prawns with garlic chilli butter dish, captured the essence of Argentina’s rich culinary traditions. Both dishes left a lasting impression on us, each representing the unique and diverse flavours that Argentina has to offer.

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients For the Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

Ground Beef
Onion
Red Bell Pepper
Garlic
Olive Oil
Ground Cumin
Paprika
Dried Oregano
Cayenne Pepper
Salt
Black Pepper
Green Olives
Eggs

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe – Ingredients

Cooking Instructions For the Argentinian Beef Empanadas

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the vegetable shortening and chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Beat the egg in a small bowl and add to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into disks. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft.
• Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Stir in the chopped olives and hard-boiled eggs.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F. On a floured surface, roll out each disk of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Spoon about
• 1/4 cup of the filling onto one half of the dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
• Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe – Cooking

Cooking Tips For the Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

• Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the empanadas to help prevent soggy dough.

• Avoid overfilling the empanadas so the edges seal properly during baking or frying.

• Press the edges firmly with a fork or crimp them by hand to reduce leaking.

• Chill assembled empanadas briefly before cooking to help them hold their shape.

• Brush the tops with egg wash for a deeper golden color during baking.

• Bake or fry in small batches for more even cooking and browning.

• Allow the empanadas to rest for a few minutes after cooking because the filling stays very hot.

• Serve with chimichurri or dipping sauce on the side to keep the crust crisp.

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe – Storage

Storage Tips For the Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

• Let the empanadas cool slightly before placing them into storage containers.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking for proper food safety.

• Store the empanadas in airtight containers to help retain texture and reduce moisture loss.

• Place paper towels between layers if stacking empanadas to absorb excess moisture.

• Reheat empanadas in the oven or air fryer to help restore crispness.

• Avoid microwaving for long periods because the crust can become soft and chewy.

• Freeze cooked or uncooked empanadas in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months if needed.

• Thaw frozen empanadas overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

• Store sauces and garnishes separately until serving time for better texture.

• Discard the empanadas if they develop a sour odor, mold, slimy texture, discoloration, or unusual taste, as these are common signs of spoilage.

5 Reasons to Love Argentinian Beef Empanadas

1. Rich Grilling Tradition

Reason: The art of grilling, or asado, is deeply ingrained in Argentinian culture. The emphasis on high-quality beef and simple seasoning lets the natural flavors shine, making each bite satisfying.

2. Diverse Flavors

Reason: Argentinian cuisine offers a wide variety of flavors, from the tangy chimichurri sauce to the sweet richness of dulce de leche. This diversity means there’s always something new and exciting to taste.

3. Family Atmosphere

Reason: Every dish in Argentina tells a story, reflecting the country’s history and cultural influences. Whether it’s a traditional empanada or a comforting bowl of locro, each meal connects you to the country’s vibrant heritage.

4. Fresh, Local Ingredients

Reason: Argentinian food emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, from the beef to the vegetables used in salads. This focus on quality ensures that each dish is flavorful and nourishing.

5. Community and Family

Reason: Meals in Argentina are more than just about food; they are a way to bring people together. The communal experience of sharing an asado or a family dinner creates strong bonds and lasting memories.

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Argentinian Beef Empanadas are a favorite snack in Argentina, filled with savory beef, onions, and spices. These hand-held pastries are perfect for on-the-go meals or as an appetizer at gatherings. They pair wonderfully with Argentine grilled provolone, creating a balance of creamy and savory flavors. Often enjoyed with a side of authentic chimichurri, these empanadas are a staple in Argentine cuisine, showcasing the country's love for bold, hearty flavors and simple, quality ingredients.

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 people

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: Argentinian

Calories: 431

Ingredients Instructions Nutrition

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup vegetable shortening
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg
• ½ to ¾ cup water

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Equipment

• large bowl
• Pastry blender or fingers for cutting in butter and shortening
• Plastic wrap for chilling dough
• Rolling pin for rolling out dough
• Skillet for cooking filling
• Wooden spoon for stirring filling
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for baking empanadas
• Brush for brushing beaten egg on top of empanadas

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the vegetable shortening and chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Beat the egg in a small bowl and add to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape into disks. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are soft.
4. Add the cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Stir in the chopped olives and hard-boiled eggs.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. On a floured surface, roll out each disk of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling onto one half of the dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
6. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe

Serving Size

 

1 person

Amount per Serving

Calories

431

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

24

g

37

%

Saturated Fat

 

9

g

56

%

Cholesterol

 

99

mg

33

%

Sodium

 

579

mg

25

%

Potassium

 

346

mg

10

%

Carbohydrates

 

39

g

13

%

Fiber

 

2

g

8

%

Sugar

 

2

g

2

%

Protein

 

16

g

32

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Use a food processor to mix the dough ingredients and save time.

Cook the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.

Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas and prevent filling from leaking out during baking.

5 FAQ For the Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipes

Q: What makes the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe unique?

A: The Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe is unique because it typically uses a savory filling of ground beef mixed with spices, onions, and sometimes olives or boiled eggs, all encased in a flaky pastry. This combination gives the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe its distinct flavor and texture.

Q: Can I freeze the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe for later use?

A: Yes, the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe is perfect for freezing. You can prepare the empanadas, freeze them before baking, and then bake them directly from frozen when needed, making the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe a convenient option for quick meals.

Q: How do I prevent the pastry from becoming soggy in the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe?

A: To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy in the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe, ensure that the filling is not too wet. Allow the beef mixture to cool slightly before filling the pastry, and avoid overfilling. This helps maintain the flaky texture of the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe.

Q: What side dishes pair well with the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe?

A: The Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe pairs well with side dishes like chimichurri sauce, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. These sides complement the rich and savory flavors of the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe.

Q: Can I make the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe with a different type of meat?

A: Yes, while the traditional Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe uses beef, you can substitute with other meats like chicken or lamb. However, using beef is recommended to maintain the authentic taste of the Argentinian Beef Empanadas recipe.

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BdRecipes

Laurel Rodgers is a recipe collector and co-founder of World Travel Recipes. Since 2014, she and John Rodgers have traveled to 165 of the 195 countries, gathering over 5,000 recipes directly from local cooks, markets, and small restaurants. Laurel participates in cooking classes, works with host families, and documents recipes as they are prepared. She manages recipe organization and ensures each recipe is written so it can be followed in a real home kitchen.
Recipes are gathered in person and written for real-world cooking conditions.

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