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Empanadas: Savory Turnovers Recipe Card

Empanadas are a Latin American favorite. A party just isn't a party without a batch of these delicious savory beef turnover. You can make them ahead and freeze them too.

Prep Time
1 hr
Cook Time
mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 18 people
Calories: 171 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: South American

Ingredients

  • 15 oz package with 2 frozen rolled pre-made pie crusts already thawed
  • ¾ lbs ground beef (extra lean)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 Tbsp sofrito **
  • 1 Tbsp recaito **

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350'F.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat sauté the onion and garlic with salt in olive oil until translucent. Add the beef, and break up in small pieces.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir until thoroughly cooked. Move to a small container and let cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Unroll pie crusts. With a 2" biscuit cutter, cut circles all around pie crust going around the perimeter and then moving in to the inside of the circle. Take a round in the palm of your hand and place a small amount of meat in the center. Fold inwards to create a half moon shape.
  5. To completely seal, place on the counter, and using the tines of a fork press all around the edges. Continue until you have used all the meat.
  6. Place on ungreased baking sheet and lightly spray with PAM or any other non stick spray.
  7. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Yields about 36-40 mini empanadas.
  8. ** Sofrito and recaito can be purchased in the grocery store in the Latin food section. You can also make your own with the recipes I have provided in this blog.

Notes

  • Optional:  Brush the empanadas with an egg wash of 1 egg whisked with 1 Tbsp of water before baking for a shiny golden exterior. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
  • How long can I store the mini beef empanadas in the refrigerator? Once they have completely cooled you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container or zip top bags.
  • How can I reheat the baked empanadas? Reheat in the oven at 250°F for 10 minutes until warm in the center. I like to put them in my Cosori Air Fryer for 5 minutes at 250°F.
  • Can I freeze the baked mini beef empanadas? Yes, you can freeze these for up to two months in an airtight container after they are completely cooled. Reheat in the oven at 250°F for 10-12 minutes or 10 minutes in an air fryer at 250°F.

Nutrition Information

Calories 171kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 13mg (4%) Sodium 243mg (10%) Potassium 81mg (2%) Vitamin A 5IU (0%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 9mg (1%) Iron 1.1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 18people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 171

% Daily Value*

Calories 171kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 243mg 10%
Potassium 81mg 2%
Vitamin A 5IU 0%
Vitamin C 0.2mg 0%
Calcium 9mg 1%
Iron 1.1mg 6%

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