How to Make the BEST Empanadas at Home!

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative, while margarine is a budget-friendly option.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while all-purpose is generally more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

Cut in 1/2 cup of chilled unsalted butter until it resembles pea-sized pieces.

Add 3/4 cup of water and 1 large egg; mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough with floured hands for about 5 minutes, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Dice 1 jalapeno pepper, 1 small yellow onion, and 1/2 large tomato; mince 2 cloves of garlic.

In a large sauce pot over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the diced onions for about 5 minutes until soft.

Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Add 1 pound of ground beef, cooking until no pink remains; drain excess fat.

Return pot to medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and black pepper; mix well.

Add diced jalapeno and diced tomatoes; cook for another 3 minutes and remove from heat to cool.

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out half of the dough to 1/4 inch thick and cut into 3.5-inch discs.

Brush the outer edge of each disc with melted butter and place 1 tablespoon of filling and 1 tablespoon each of shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese in the center.

Fold the dough over the filling, crimp edges with a fork to seal, and repeat with remaining dough.

In a bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and remaining melted butter for egg wash; brush over empanadas.

Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping the tray halfway through baking.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens