There is something incredibly irresistible about a warm, golden empanada with a spicy, savory filling inside — and that’s exactly what you get with this Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe. This dish combines tender ground beef, lively spices, and vibrant ingredients folded into flaky dough, capturing the essence of Argentina’s beloved street food with a fiery twist. It is perfect for sharing, enjoying as a snack, or serving as a part of a festive meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a special role in building depth, heat, and texture. From the aromatic sautéed onions and garlic that form the base, to a carefully balanced blend of spices, everything contributes to a filling worthy of its crispy pastry shell.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften aromatics for a flavorful base.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and texture to complement the beef.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): The hearty protein center of the empanadas that soaks up all the spices.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky flavor essential to Argentinian style.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the spice blend.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings a controlled level of heat for a lively bite.
- Chili flakes: Enhances the spice with a subtle fiery crunch.
- Ground black pepper: Adds aromatic sharpness and bite.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the savory notes.
- Tomato paste: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet depth and moisture to the filling.
- Green olives, chopped: Adds a briny, tangy contrast for flavor complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings freshness and color to brighten every bite.
- Hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional): Adds creaminess and traditional authenticity.
- Empanada dough discs (about 10 rounds): The tender yet sturdy pockets that encase the filling.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives the empanadas a beautiful golden crust when baked.
How to Make Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent. This step is essential to unlock the natural sweetness of the onion. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns, creating a rich base that will carry the spices beautifully.
Step 2: Spice It Up
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to bring the heat and complexity with smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir all of these spices into the meat mixture evenly so that every bite is bursting with Argentinian-inspired flavor. Add the tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken the filling slightly.
Step 3: Final Flavor Touches
Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the chopped green olives and fresh parsley. Both ingredients add layers of freshness, saltiness, and tang that elevate the overall filling. If you’d like a richer traditional touch, fold in chopped hard-boiled egg to complete your savory filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Empanadas
Take each empanada dough disc and place about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the filling in the center. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and firmly crimp the edges with a fork, ensuring the spicy beef mixture stays sealed inside while baking. This part is as satisfying to make as it is delicious to eat!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg to help them brown beautifully. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of flaky crust and spicy, savory filling.
How to Serve Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your empanadas even more. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a wedge of lime for acidity, or a drizzle of creamy chimichurri sauce will add freshness and balance to the spicy filling. These touches not only enhance flavor but also make your presentation pop for guests.
Side Dishes
Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad featuring lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado or with a refreshing corn and black bean salad. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables or a side of Spanish rice to soak up any leftover spice and juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your empanadas as bite-sized appetizers at a party with toothpicks and accompanying dipping sauces such as spicy aioli or a zesty salsa verde. Alternatively, build a fun empanada platter with assorted fillings and colorful sides to create a festive spread that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and maintains the crispy crust as much as possible.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to two months and can be baked straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the original baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaves if you want to preserve that flaky, golden crust that makes these empanadas so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork can work well with the spice blend in this Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed, and feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
What can I substitute for empanada dough discs if unavailable?
If you cannot find pre-made empanada dough discs, puff pastry or pie dough can be a good alternative. Keep in mind they will yield a different texture but still a delicious result.
How spicy are these empanadas?
The dish has a moderate heat level thanks to the cayenne and chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spiciness up or down by adding more chili or omitting some for a milder version.
Is the hard-boiled egg necessary in the filling?
The chopped hard-boiled egg is optional but traditional. It adds creaminess and richness, making each bite more satisfying, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Can these empanadas be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils and use a vegan pastry dough. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy a plant-based take on this Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines bold flavors with a comforting, flaky pastry shell. Whether you’re feeding a group or simply craving something fun and satisfying, these empanadas are a fantastic way to bring a little South American flair into your kitchen. Give them a try — you won’t regret it!
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Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
These Spicy Argentinian Beef Empanadas feature a flavorful ground beef filling seasoned with smoky paprika, cumin, cayenne, and fresh herbs, encased in tender baked dough discs. This beloved Latin American appetizer is perfect for gatherings or as a savory snack, boasting a perfect balance of heat and savory depth.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
Dough and finishing
- 1 package empanada dough discs (about 10 rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the empanadas once assembled.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its fragrance.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
- Season the filling: Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, ground black pepper, salt, and tomato paste. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the spices are well combined and fragrant.
- Finish filling: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped green olives, fresh parsley, and the optional chopped hard-boiled egg to add texture and richness.
- Assemble empanadas: Place about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges using a fork to seal completely.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of each empanada with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the empanadas turn golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the filling mixture before assembling.
- These empanadas freeze well before baking. When baked from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure they cook through completely.
