{"id":1627,"date":"2026-05-05T15:57:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:57:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress.cherrychapters.com\/softboilstories\/?p=1627"},"modified":"2026-05-05T15:57:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T15:57:15","slug":"beef-empanadas-golden-pockets-of-joy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.cherrychapters.com\/softboilstories\/2026\/05\/05\/beef-empanadas-golden-pockets-of-joy\/","title":{"rendered":"Beef Empanadas: Golden Pockets of Joy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Empanadas are the perfect food. A golden, flaky pocket wrapped around a juicy, spiced beef filling. They’re portable, freezer-friendly, and impossible to eat just one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This version is baked (not fried), uses a simple dough, and packs a filling with garlic, cumin, paprika, and briny olives. Make a batch. Watch them vanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Makes 12-14 empanadas.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Dough:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • 2\u00bd cups all-purpose flour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u00bd teaspoon salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u00bd cup cold butter, cubed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 1 egg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u2153 cup cold water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    For the Filling:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • 1 lb ground beef<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 1 teaspoon paprika<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u00bd teaspoon chili powder<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u00bd teaspoon salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u00bc cup green olives, chopped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • \u00bc cup raisins (optional, but traditional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      For Egg Wash:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Step-by-Step Instructions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Step 1: Make the Dough<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Add egg and cold water. Mix until just combined (don’t overwork).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Step 2: Cook the Filling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3 minutes until soft.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Remove from heat. Stir in olives, raisins, and chopped eggs (if using). Let cool.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Step 3: Preheat and Roll<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Roll dough on a floured surface until \u215b-inch thick.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Cut into 4-5 inch circles using a cutter or bowl.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Step 4: Fill and Seal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Fold over into a half-moon. Press edges with a fork to seal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Place on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Step 5: Bake and Serve<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Cool for 5 minutes. Serve with chimichurri or hot sauce.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Prep Time:<\/strong> 30 minutes + chilling | Cook Time:<\/strong> 25 minutes | Total Time:<\/strong> 55 minutes + chilling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Yield:<\/strong> 12-14 empanadas<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Difficulty:<\/strong> Medium<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Storage Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Fridge:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Store baked empanadas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350\u00b0F oven for 8-10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Freezer (Perfect for Meal Prep):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375\u00b0F for 25-30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Make-Ahead:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Make the dough and filling separately up to 2 days ahead. Assemble and bake when ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Dough Tip:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Store-bought pie crust or empanada discs work great if you’re short on time. No judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"\"<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Flaky, buttery dough stuffed with savory seasoned beef, onions, and olives. Baked not fried, and absolutely packed with flavor. Your new favorite handheld meal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,73],"tags":[1242,1240,1238,1244,1239,1241,1243],"class_list":["post-1627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baking","category-quick_meals","tag-argentine-empanadas","tag-baked-empanadas","tag-beef-empanadas","tag-easy-empanada-dough","tag-empanada-recipe","tag-ground-beef-empanadas","tag-savory-pastries"],"yoast_head":"\nBeef Empanadas: Golden Pockets of Joy - Soft Boil Stories<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/wordpress.cherrychapters.com\/softboilstories\/2026\/05\/05\/beef-empanadas-golden-pockets-of-joy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beef Empanadas: Golden Pockets of Joy - Soft Boil Stories\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Flaky, buttery dough stuffed with savory seasoned beef, onions, and olives. 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