Argentinian Beef Empanadas
Argentina's beloved hand pies — flaky pastry filled with spiced beef, olives, hard-boiled eggs and raisins, baked or fried to golden perfection.
About This Argentina Recipe
Argentinian Beef Empanadas is one of the most beloved dishes from Argentina, deeply rooted in the country's culinary tradition. This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations and represents the very soul of Argentina's food culture.
The secret to an authentic Argentinian Beef Empanadas lies in the quality of ingredients and the patience of preparation. Every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavours that makes this dish so special. When you cook this recipe, you're not just making food — you're recreating a piece of Argentina's rich culinary heritage.
How to Cook Argentinian Beef Empanadas — Complete Guide
Before You Begin
Read the entire recipe before starting. Gather and measure all ingredients (mise en place). This medium-difficulty dish takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and 25 min to cook — allow 25 min extra time if this is your first attempt.
Difficulty
Medium
Prep Time
1 hour
Cook Time
25 min
Serves
20 people
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step carefully. Steps are ordered for best results — don't skip ahead.
- 1
Make dough, rest in fridge 30 minutes
This is your starting step — proper preparation here ensures everything else goes smoothly.
- 2
Fry onions and peppers, add beef and spices
- 3
Cool filling completely before using
- 4
Roll dough and cut into circles
- 5
Fill with beef, add olive and egg piece
- 6
Fold and crimp edge decoratively (repulgue)
- 7
Brush with egg wash, bake at 200°C for 20 minutes
Final step — your Argentinian Beef Empanadas is almost ready to serve!
Chef's Tips & Tricks
Expert advice to help you nail this dish every time:
The filling must be completely cold before filling pastry
Learn the repulgue (crimping technique) — it seals and looks beautiful
Different provinces fold empanadas differently — there are no rules
Serving Suggestions
Argentinian Beef Empanadas is best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the kitchen. In Argentina, this dish is traditionally served as a street food and pairs beautifully with local side dishes and beverages. Consider serving it family-style for a truly authentic experience.
For the most authentic presentation, use traditional Argentina tableware if available. Garnish generously and serve immediately — this dish does not improve with waiting. Leftovers can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Ingredients
For 20 servings
- For dough: 500g flour, 150g lard or butter, 1 egg, warm water, salt
- For filling: 500g beef mince, 2 onions, 1 red pepper
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (quartered)
- Green olives, raisins
- Paprika, cumin, chilli, oregano
- Egg wash for brushing
Want to eat this in Argentina?
🇦🇷 Argentina Travel Guide