These Baked Empanadas are golden, flaky, and filled with a rich, savory beef mixture that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners, snacks, or gatherings, this recipe brings a comforting homemade touch using simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These baked empanadas are incredibly satisfying without being heavy. The dough turns beautifully crisp in the oven, while the filling is juicy, hearty, and full of Latin-inspired flavors. They’re easy to prepare ahead, family-friendly, and ideal for sharing or meal prep.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 stick butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup water
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium potato, parboiled, peeled, diced small
- ¼ cup sofrito (plus 2 tablespoons extra)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet sazon seasoning with saffron
- 20 Spanish olives, chopped
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Add flour, butter, egg, water, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until crumbly.
- Form into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough thin on a floured surface.
- Cut into 5–6 inch circles and set aside.
Prepare the Filling
- Boil diced potato for 7–10 minutes until tender.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add potato, sofrito, and water. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, seasoning, and salt. Cook 5 minutes more.
- Add olives and mix well.
Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add 2 tablespoons filling to each dough circle.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Fold, seal edges with water, and crimp.
Bake the Empanadas
- Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
These Baked Empanadas are ready to serve warm and fresh.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill dough properly for easier rolling
- Don’t overfill to prevent leaking
- Use a fork for a tight seal
- Swap Monterey Jack with mozzarella if needed
- Add a light egg wash for extra golden color
Details
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Main dish / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy to medium
- Dietary: Halal-friendly
Notes
- You can use pre-made empanada discs for convenience
- Serve with yogurt sauce, salsa, or guacamole
- Add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor
Nutrition (Approximate per empanada)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 16g
FAQ
Can I freeze baked empanadas?
Yes, freeze after baking and cooling completely.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I air fry instead?
Yes, cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 12–15 minutes.
What other fillings work?
Chicken, vegetables, or cheese-only fillings work well.
How do I keep them crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the baking tray and bake evenly spaced.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F for 10 minutes for best texture
Similar Recipes
Baked Empanadas with Beef Filling
Ingredients
Dough
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 stick butter
- 1 egg beaten
- ¼ cup water
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium potato parboiled, peeled, diced small
- ¼ cup sofrito plus 2 tablespoons extra
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 packet sazon seasoning with saffron
- 20 Spanish olives chopped
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Add flour, butter, egg, water, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until crumbly.
- Form into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough thin on a floured surface.
- Cut into 5–6 inch circles and set aside.
Prepare the Filling
- Boil diced potato for 7–10 minutes until tender.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add potato, sofrito, and water. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, seasoning, and salt. Cook 5 minutes more.
- Add olives and mix well.
Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add 2 tablespoons filling to each dough circle.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Fold, seal edges with water, and crimp.
Bake the Empanadas
- Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- These Baked Empanadas are ready to serve warm and fresh.
Notes
- You can use pre-made empanada discs for convenience
- Serve with yogurt sauce, salsa, or guacamole
- Add spices like cumin or paprika for extra flavor
Conclusion
These Baked Empanadas are a simple yet flavorful recipe that delivers crispy pastry and a rich, hearty filling every time. Whether for a quick meal or a special gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress and satisfy.