Charred Beef Empanadas with Spiced Potato Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky empanadas filled with a savory blend of charred beef and spiced potatoes, a hearty street food favorite from Bolivia. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef, small, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 diced yellow potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, breaking up meat with a spatula, for 8 minutes until beef is browned and slightly charred around edges.
  4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked potatoes, mashing slightly with the back of a spoon to combine with beef. Cook for 2 more minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 2 tbsp of filling in the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp edges tightly with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Brush each empanada with beaten egg and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Serve warm with a side of aji sauce or salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Beef Empanadas with Spiced Potato Filling take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Beef Empanadas with Spiced Potato Filling?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Beef Empanadas with Spiced Potato Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Beef Empanadas with Spiced Potato Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Beef Empanadas with Spiced Potato Filling?

Latin American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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