How to Make Argentine Meat Empanadas - A Step-by-Step Guide

Empanadas are a beloved dish in Argentine cuisine, and for good reason. These delicious turnovers are filled with a savory meat mixture and then baked or fried to crispy perfection. They are a staple of Argentine street food and can also be found in households across the country. The combination of flaky pastry and flavorful filling makes empanadas a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

The key to a good empanada is the filling, and Argentine Meat Empanadas are no exception. T...

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Hungarian sweet paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon hot paprika
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • 2 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • ½ cup pitted green olives, chopped
  • 1 (17.5 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1 large egg, beaten (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 10
  • Yield: 10 empanadas

  • Spread ground beef into a large sieve. Slowly pour boiling water over top for partial cooking. Let drain and cool.
  • Meanwhile, melt shortening in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir until just before they begin to turn golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in sweet paprika, hot paprika, and red pepper flakes; season with salt.
  • Transfer cooled beef to a bowl. Mix in vinegar and cumin and season with salt. Mix in onions until well combined. Transfer to a large plate to cool and harden, about 10 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut puff pastry dough into 10 circles. Place a spoonful meat mixture onto each round, making sure at least 1/2 inch of the outer pastry edge stays clean and dry. Add olives, raisins, and hard-cooked eggs to each round. Slightly wet the edges of pastry rounds, fold in half into half-moons, and press the edges together. Seal empanadas by twisting and curling dough together between your thumb and index finger, adding pressure before releasing each pinch and moving on to the next one.
  • Place empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet. Prick each empanada with a fork near the curled edge to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush empanadas with beaten egg.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    498 cal.

    • Total Fat: 37g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 73mg
    • Sodium: 327mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 15g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 28mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 213mg