How to Make Homemade Empanadas (Recipe Guide)

Empanadas are the ultimate handheld comfort food, beloved across Latin America and Spain for their flaky crusts and flavorful fillings. From Argentina’s beef-filled versions with olives and boiled eggs to Spain’s tuna-stuffed empanada gallega and Colombia’s golden fried cornmeal empanadas, each country has its own delicious interpretation of this versatile dish. At their core, empanadas are about practicality, tradition, and flavor—easy to carry, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Making homemade empanadas might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly approachable with the right dough recipe and a filling that suits your tastes. Whether you’re preparing them as a snack, appetizer, main dish, or party food, empanadas deliver a warm, flavorful bite every time. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—stuff them with spiced ground meat, chicken and cheese, vegetarian fillings, or even sweet fruit for dessert empanadas.

In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make empanada dough from scratch, tips for creating flavorful fillings, and how to bake or fry them to golden perfection. Once you master the technique, these pastries will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for easy meal prep or festive gatherings.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Best Time to Eat and What to Serve Them With

Best time to eat:

Empanadas are wonderfully flexible and can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as snacks throughout the day. They’re also perfect for picnics, road trips, party appetizers, or even a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

Perfect pairings:

Side: Serve with a fresh tomato and avocado salad, chimichurri sauce for dipping, or a light coleslaw to balance their richness.

Drink: Pair with a glass of Malbec if enjoying Argentine empanadas, an ice-cold lager, or a refreshing homemade aguas frescas for a non-alcoholic option.

Dessert: End with dulce de leche flan or simple fresh fruit for a balanced Latin-inspired meal.

Empanadas aren’t just food—they’re a celebration of tradition, creativity, and global culinary heritage, ready to bring warmth and joy to your table any day of the week.

How to Make Empanadas

Empanadas Recipe Ingredients

For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 egg
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup green olives, chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs

Step By Step How to Make Empanadas

Step 1 – Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with water and vinegar. Add to the flour mixture, stirring until combined and the dough begins to hold together. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Pour in beef broth and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the chopped olives, hard-boiled eggs, and raisins. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3 – Assemble Empanadas

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out round disc shapes using a large cookie cutter or a bowl as a guide.

Place a spoonful of the meat filling onto the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing them with a fork or folding them over decoratively.

Step 4 – Bake

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, brush the tops with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Tips To Make Empanadas

You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even make a vegetarian version using cheese and vegetables. Empanadas can be served hot or at room temperature. They’re great for parties or as a snack.

How Many Calories Has An Empanada

Each empanada dough typically made with flour, butter, and water can contain about 150-200 calories,
Ground Beef is around 150 calories, Onion and Olive Oil can add about 20-30 calories, Hard-Boiled Eggs are about 50-70 calories per empanada.

A typical meat-filled empanada would be 370 to 450 calories.