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4.4 from 21 votes

Empanadas

Tender flakey empanadas loaded with ground beef, potatoes, peas and tons of Mexican spices. I've included instructions for frying or baking these easy empanadas. Just in time for Cinco De Mayo!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Resting
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 12 empanadas
Calories: 222 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For The Dough
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup cold water
For The Filling
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 6 oz. boiled diced potato
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Jalapeño
  • 12 oz. ground beef
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • oil for frying

Instructions

For The Dough
    Cup of Yum
  1. Add flour, butter, and salt to a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Pulse a few times until the butter is the size of peas.
  2. Add egg and cold water to the food processor. Pulse just until ball of dough forms.
  3. Form the dough into a flat round disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For The Filling
  1. Meanwhile you can get started on your filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in onion and jalapeno and saute for 2-3 minutes or until softened and golden brown.
  2. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink, 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add in salt, chili powder, paprika and cumin.
  4. Stir in tomato paste. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add in frozen peas, boiled potato, fresh parsley, and green onion.
  6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into circles about 5 inches in diameter using a ring cutter or small bowl. Alternatively divide into 12 small balls of dough and roll into individual circles.
  7. Place filling (about 1/4 cup) on each circle and fold in half, crimp the edges with a fork.
  8. Add oil to a deep pan or pot so that it reaches 1 inch in depth. Heat oil to between 350 and 375 degrees.
  9. Fry in batches, 3 at a time, 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
  10. Serve immediately with salsa or sour cream for dipping!

Nutrition Information

Calories 222kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 36mg (12%) Sodium 138mg (6%) Potassium 159mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 271IU (5%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 14mg (1%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12empanadas

Amount Per Serving

Calories 222

% Daily Value*

Calories 222kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 36mg 12%
Sodium 138mg 6%
Potassium 159mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 271IU 5%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 14mg 1%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.