Spiced Argentine Empanadas with Beef and Onion Filling

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Handheld baked empanadas filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, caramelized onions, and warm spices, inspired by the flavors of Buenos Aires. This latin american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, cold and cubed unsalted butter, cold water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make the empanada dough, whisk 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tsp salt in a large bowl. Add 6 tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter and work it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add 3/4 cup cold water, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While the dough chills, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb ground beef, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until beef is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs and 1/4 cup sliced green olives. Allow filling to cool.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 6-inch circles.
  6. Step 6: Spoon 2 tbsp of filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape and press edges firmly, crimping with a fork to seal.
  7. Step 7: Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with 1 beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Argentine Empanadas with Beef and Onion Filling take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (45 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Argentine Empanadas with Beef and Onion 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Argentine Empanadas with Beef and Onion 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 Spiced Argentine Empanadas with Beef and Onion Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Spiced Argentine Empanadas with Beef and Onion Filling?

Latin American desserts 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.

Related recipes