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How to Make Traditional Argentine Empanadas: Easy Beef Recipe + Custom Filling Ideas

How to Make Traditional Argentine Empanadas: Easy Beef Recipe + Custom Filling Ideas

How to Make Traditional Argentine Empanadas: Easy Beef Recipe + Custom Filling Ideas

Argentine empanadas are a comfort food like no other—flaky dough filled with savory goodness, perfect for snacking, sharing, or even as a full meal. Whether you're a fan of beef, chicken, or even vegetarian fillings, there's an empanada for everyone.

In this guide, we'll take you through the rich history of Argentine empanadas, dive into the best fillings, and show you how to make a classic Argentine beef empanada recipe. Plus, we’ve got some customization tips so you can get creative in your own kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

  • You can always get a hold of me on Instagram.  

What Are Argentine Empanadas?

Empanadas are handheld pastries filled with savory (or sometimes sweet) fillings and baked or fried until golden and delicious. They are a staple in Latin American cuisine, but Argentina is particularly famous for its diverse regional takes on the empanada. Each part of the country has its own version, but the common denominator is that they’re always packed with flavor and wrapped in tender dough.

The Different Types of Argentine Empanadas

In Argentina, empanadas aren’t just food—they’re a cultural experience. Each region has its own signature twist on the classic, so no two empanadas are the same. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most famous styles:

  • Buenos Aires: Beef with olives, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and sometimes raisins for that sweet and salty combo.
  • Salta: Small, spicy empanadas with ground beef or chicken, often including potatoes.
  • Tucumán: Known for their beef fillings, these empanadas sometimes get a hit of lemon juice for extra flavor.
  • Patagonia: Lamb empanadas are the star here, thanks to the region's strong lamb farming traditions.

The filling being stylishly held by our mixing bowl.

Customize Your Empanadas: Filling Ideas

While beef empanadas are the classic go-to, you can totally switch it up and try out different fillings depending on what you're in the mood for. Here are a few popular filling ideas:

  • Chicken Empanadas: Shredded chicken with onions, bell peppers, and a bit of cheese for a creamy texture.
  • Ham & Cheese Empanadas: Ham and gooey mozzarella or provolone make for a melty, cheesy bite.
  • Vegetarian Empanadas: Spinach and ricotta, mushrooms, or even a spicy bean and cheese mix.
  • Humita Empanadas: Sweet corn with béchamel sauce for a creamy, slightly sweet filling.

Feel free to get creative with your fillings—there are no rules here! You can even make a batch with a few different fillings to keep things interesting.

Our dessert bowl trying out a new skill ~ cutting perfect circles!

FAQs About Argentine Empanadas

Q: Can I freeze homemade empanadas? A: Yes! You can freeze uncooked empanadas. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What’s the best dough for empanadas? A: For Argentine empanadas, a simple dough made from flour, butter, and water works best. You want it to be tender and flaky without overpowering the filling.

Q: Are empanadas always savory? A: Nope! While savory fillings are the most common, you can also find sweet versions in Argentina. Think dulce de leche or apple-filled empanadas for dessert.

Classic Argentine Beef Empanadas Recipe

Category

Snack/Main

Servings

20

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

30 min + 1 hr fridge time

Ready to try your hand at making traditional Argentine beef empanadas? This easy recipe will have you whipping up a batch in no time. Whether you're a newbie or a kitchen pro, the dough and filling are straightforward, and you can customize the recipe to your taste.

 

Author:

Alixandrea Tieben

Plate:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room teperature
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 white onions, chopped
  • 5 Cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 2 Tablespoons paprika
  • 1 Teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon beef boullion
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green olives
  • 12 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add the butter and combine with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Beat the egg and water together, then slowly mix into the dough until it comes together.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until soft.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, beef boullion salt, and pepper.
  3. After about 5 minutes, remove from heat and fold in the chopped olives, green onions, parsley and hard-boiled egg. Let the filling cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (or Mora dessert bowl hehe) to cut out 4-5 inch circles.
  3. Add a spoonful of the beef filling to each circle, fold over to make a half-moon, and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
  4. Brush the empanadas with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) to ensure a golden, crispy finish.

Step 4: Bake

      1. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, or fry them in oil over medium high heat.
      2. Let cool slightly, then enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Argentine empanadas are not just a snack—they’re a whole experience. Whether you’re sticking to the classic beef filling or experimenting with your own combos, empanadas are guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, they’re super versatile and perfect for any occasion.

So, the next time you're in the mood for something delicious, skip the takeout and whip up a batch of these traditional Argentine beef empanadas. They’ll be a hit at your next gathering, or just as a treat for yourself (because you deserve it).

Happy cooking!

 

Find me making this recipe on instagram. If you make this, feel free to tag me @moraceramics.

Written by Alixandrea Tieben

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