Pan-Fried Colombian Empanadas with Spiced Beef Filling

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden cornmeal empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef, fried to crispy perfection for a flavorful Latin American appetizer or snack. This latin american-inspired latin american ready in about 40 minutes pairs pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), warm water, teaspoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa), 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 1/2 cups warm water in a bowl. Knead by hand until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1/2 pound ground beef with 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, stirring often until the beef is browned and onions are translucent, about 6-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant and well seasoned. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 8 equal balls and flatten each to 5-inch disks on a clean surface.
  5. Step 5: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of 4 disks, then cover each with another disk. Press the edges firmly to seal and crimp edges with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
  7. Step 7: Fry empanadas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Colombian Empanadas with Spiced Beef Filling take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Fried Colombian Empanadas with Spiced Beef 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 warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Colombian Empanadas with Spiced Beef 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 Pan-Fried Colombian Empanadas with Spiced Beef Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Fried Colombian Empanadas with Spiced Beef Filling?

Latin American latin american 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes