Empanadas: Savory Turnovers Recipe Card

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.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Latin American

Keyword: baking, beef, empanada, filled, pastry, Puerto Rican, tapas, turnover

Prep Time: 1

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: people

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Analida Braeger

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

Preheat oven to 350'F.
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.
Add the rest of the ingredients. Stir until thoroughly cooked. Move to a small container and let cool for about 10 minutes.
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.
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.
Place on ungreased baking sheet and lightly spray with PAM or any other non stick spray.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Yields about 36-40 mini empanadas.
** 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.

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