Introduction

Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce are golden, flaky pastries filled with savory, seasoned beef and served with a bright, herbaceous Argentine-style chimichurri sauce. Empanadas are a beloved Latin American comfort food, perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a main course.

This recipe brings together tender ground beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices, enveloped in a crisp, buttery pastry. Paired with fresh chimichurri, these empanadas are vibrant, flavorful, and irresistible, combining crispy, juicy, and zesty textures in every bite.

Whether for a party, family dinner, or casual meal, these empanadas impress with their flavor, texture, and versatility, making them a must-have in your cooking repertoire.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Balance: Savory, spiced beef filling contrasts beautifully with tangy, fresh chimichurri.
• Handheld Delight: Easy to eat and serve, perfect for gatherings.
• Flaky Pastry: Golden crust gives an irresistible crunch with every bite.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins or vegetables.
• Versatile Meal: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or snack.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines the best of Latin American flavors with approachable cooking techniques. The juicy beef filling, aromatic spices, and crisp pastry paired with a tangy, herbaceous sauce create a memorable and addictive culinary experience. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a comforting, flavorful meal, these empanadas are deliciously addictive.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 55–60 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 empanadas (serves 4–5)
• Calories (approx): 350 kcal per empanada

Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Cuisine: Latin American / Argentine

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional, traditional in Argentine empanadas)

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water
• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, for flakiness)

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Mix egg, cold water, and vinegar; gradually add to flour mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes more.
4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped hard-boiled egg, if using. Let cool slightly.

Assemble the Empanadas:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll dough into a ¼-inch thick sheet; cut into 4–5 inch circles.
3. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of beef filling onto each circle. Fold over and press edges with a fork to seal.
4. Brush empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake:

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Prepare Chimichurri Sauce:

1. In a bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
2. Let sit 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve alongside empanadas.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Make the dough: combine flour, salt, butter, egg, water, and vinegar; chill 30 minutes.
2. Cook beef filling: sauté vegetables, brown beef, add spices, tomato paste, and optional egg.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Roll dough, cut circles, add filling, fold, and seal edges.
5. Brush with egg wash and bake 20–25 minutes.
6. Prepare chimichurri sauce and serve with hot empanadas.

How to Serve

• Serve warm empanadas with chimichurri sauce on the side.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Great as appetizers, party snacks, or a main meal with sides.

Recipe Tips

• Chill dough for easier handling and flakier pastry.
• Do not overfill empanadas to prevent bursting.
• Egg wash ensures golden, shiny crust.
• Make chimichurri ahead of time to allow flavors to meld.
• Can use pre-made empanada dough for convenience.

Variations

• Cheese Beef Empanadas: Add shredded cheese to the filling.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to beef.
• Vegetarian: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, and corn with spices instead of beef.
• Baking vs. Frying: Fry empanadas for extra crispiness instead of baking.
• Mini Empanadas: Make bite-sized versions for appetizers.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags; bake from frozen for 25–30 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
• Chimichurri: Store in the fridge up to 1 week.

Special Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet or sauté pan
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork for sealing edges
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-made pastry dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.

Q2: Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and freeze; bake from frozen for 25–30 minutes.

Q3: Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes, use ground chicken, turkey, or lamb for a different flavor.

Q4: How do I prevent empanadas from bursting?
Avoid overfilling, seal edges well, and brush with egg wash.

Q5: Can chimichurri be made without cilantro?
Yes, parsley alone is traditional and flavorful.

Conclusion

Beef Empanadas with Chimichurri Sauce are crispy, savory, and bursting with flavor, combining the best of Latin American cuisine with an easy, approachable method. Golden pastry, tender seasoned beef, and bright chimichurri make these empanadas perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or snack time. Easy to customize, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, handheld meals.