The Most Perfect Homemade Mini Empanadas

If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than these Homemade Mini Empanadas! The perfect balance of savory beef, sweet raisins, and tangy olives makes them a true crowd-pleaser. These empanadas are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making them a great choice for a party appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a snack. With a crisp golden exterior and a flavorful, juicy filling, these mini empanadas will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, and the blend of ingredients delivers a unique flavor combination that stands out from the usual empanada fare. Paired with a simple dough that bakes up perfectly crispy, each bite is an explosion of satisfying textures and flavors. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or a main dish, these homemade empanadas are a delightful way to bring some excitement to your kitchen. Plus, they are highly customizable, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. From the initial preparation to the final bite, this recipe will have your guests raving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Prepare

With easy-to-follow steps and minimal prep time, these empanadas are perfect for anyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks.

2. Unique Flavor Combination

The addition of green olives and raisins brings a unique sweetness and tanginess, creating a one-of-a-kind filling that will excite your taste buds.

3. Versatile

Serve these empanadas as an appetizer, snack, or a main course. They’re perfect for any occasion and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes.

4. Freezable

These mini empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you can enjoy them later without any extra effort.

5. Crowd-Pleasing

With a golden, crispy crust and a flavorful filling, these empanadas are sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Green olives, chopped
• Raisins
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Empanada dough

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or tofu to create a vegetarian empanada.
• Cheese Empanadas: Add a generous amount of shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar to the filling for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a more robust filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings

Stir in the chopped green olives, raisins, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

While the filling cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5: Prepare the Empanada Dough

Roll out the empanada dough on a clean surface and use a round cutter or the edge of a glass to cut out circles.

Step 6: Fill the Dough Circles

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each circle of dough. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and press the edges to seal.

Step 7: Bake

Place the sealed empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For extra crispness, brush the tops of the empanadas with a little bit of egg wash before baking.
• Make sure to seal the edges of the dough thoroughly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• If you don’t have empanada dough, you can substitute with puff pastry or even homemade pie dough.
• Allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving so that the filling doesn’t spill out.

How to Serve

These mini empanadas are perfect on their own or served with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider pairing them with:

• A tangy salsa verde or tomato salsa
• A creamy sour cream dip
• A zesty guacamole
• A spicy chimichurri sauce

You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

To freeze, place uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the empanadas in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork instead of beef for a different flavor.

2. Can I make empanadas with store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough or even puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe.

3. How can I prevent the empanadas from leaking filling during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly and press firmly to avoid any gaps. You can also crimp the edges with a fork.

4. Can I bake these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

5. Can I freeze empanadas before baking?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then store them in an airtight container once they are solid.

6. How long will these empanadas last in the fridge?

They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

7. Can I use other fruits besides raisins?

Yes, chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or figs can be used as a replacement for raisins.

8. Can I make these empanadas vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian option like lentils, tofu, or even mushrooms.

9. What other spices can I use in the filling?

You could add oregano, cinnamon, or coriander for a unique flavor twist.

10. Can I deep fry these empanadas instead of baking them?

Yes, deep frying is an option! Heat oil to 350°F and fry the empanadas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Conclusion

These Homemade Mini Empanadas are a delicious and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With a savory filling of ground beef, green olives, and raisins, paired with a crisp golden crust, they are sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or a main dish, these empanadas will be a hit every time. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated for easy enjoyment whenever you like. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon have a new favorite in your culinary arsenal!

Print