Golden Baked Beef and Chorizo Empanadas: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Handheld Delight

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You know that feeling when you’re craving something hearty, homemade, and packed with flavor? Golden baked beef and chorizo empanadas are exactly that kind of comfort food. These little pockets of joy bring together bold spices, juicy meat, and flaky pastry, all wrapped into a crispy, oven-baked shell. Whether you’re making them for a family get-together, a weekend meal prep session, or just a cozy dinner at home, you’ll find that these empanadas hit the spot every time.

They’re not just about great taste—they’re a tradition, a nod to generations of cooks who’ve lovingly shaped, filled, and sealed each empanada by hand. And now, you get to carry that tradition forward in your own kitchen.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love These Beef and Chorizo Empanadas

• Golden, flaky pastry with a satisfying crunch
• A rich, savory filling full of flavor and texture
• Great for freezing and meal prepping
• Perfect for entertaining or casual snacking
• Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable

Once you try them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

Ingredients Overview

Before you get started, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Pastry Dough

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	2 1/2 cups
Cold unsalted butter, cubed	12 tablespoons
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon
Egg yolk	1
Warm whole milk	1/2 cup

For the Filling

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	1 1/2 tablespoons
Onion, finely chopped	1/2
Garlic clove, minced	1
Ground beef	10 ounces
Chorizo	4 ounces
Tomato paste	2 teaspoons
Fresh thyme, chopped	1 teaspoon
Dried oregano	1/2 teaspoon
Ground cumin	1/2 teaspoon
Paprika	1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper	1/4 teaspoon
Kosher salt	1/4 teaspoon
Low sodium chicken broth	3/4 cup
Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes	1/2 cup
Diced potato (1/3-inch cubes)	1 cup
Sliced green onions	1/3 cup

Add-ins and Assembly

Ingredient	Amount
Hard-boiled eggs, chopped	2
Green olives, chopped	1/4 cup
Eggs, separated (whites and yolks)	2

How to Make Beef and Chorizo Empanadas from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Savory Filling

1. Roughly chop the chorizo and pulse it in a food processor until it becomes a paste.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the chorizo paste and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink.
5. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for a minute.
6. Stir in thyme, oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
7. Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Add diced potatoes.
8. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and potatoes are tender.
9. Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
10. Let the filling cool completely before using—at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Pastry Dough

1. Whisk together warm milk and egg yolk in a small bowl.
2. In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and cubed butter. Pulse until it resembles fine crumbs.
3. Add the milk mixture and pulse until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a log.
5. Divide into two equal parts and flatten each into a disc.
6. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Roll out one disc at a time to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch rounds.
3. Place about 3 tablespoons of cooled filling in the center of each round.
4. Add chopped egg and green olives.
5. Brush the edges with egg white. Fold over the dough to form a half-moon.
6. Press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork or pleat for a traditional look.
7. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush each with egg yolk for a glossy, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tops are golden and the bottoms are crisp.
2. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Empanada Success

• Keep the dough chilled while working
• Don’t overfill to avoid leaks
• Allow the filling to cool completely before stuffing
• Use a sharp round cutter for clean edges
• Experiment with fillings—try chicken, spinach, or cheese

What to Serve with Beef and Chorizo Empanadas

• Chimichurri or spicy tomato salsa
• Cilantro lime rice
• Side salad with avocado and citrus vinaigrette
• Roasted corn on the cob
• Yogurt garlic dip

Storing and Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to bags
• Baked empanadas can also be frozen after cooling

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
• Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes
• Avoid microwave to keep the crust crispy

Nutrition (Per Empanada)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~300
Protein	12–14g
Carbs	24–28g
Fats	15–18g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare these empanadas in advance?

Yes, you can make both the dough and the filling a day ahead. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Can I freeze them before baking?

Absolutely. Freeze on a tray until firm, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen with just a few extra minutes.

Can I use store-bought dough?

If you’re short on time, yes. But homemade pastry offers better taste and texture.

Is it possible to adjust the spice level?

Of course. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder filling.

What kind of chorizo is best?

Use Spanish-style for smoky depth or Mexican-style for a more intense, spicy flavor.

Conclusion: Bring Joy to Your Kitchen with Homemade Empanadas

You now have everything you need to make your own batch of golden baked beef and chorizo empanadas. From mixing the dough to baking each pocket until it’s crispy and golden, this process is rewarding in more ways than one. Not only do you end up with a delicious snack or meal, but you also get the satisfaction of crafting something by hand.

Take a moment to enjoy the aroma as they bake, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly once served. Go ahead—gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and treat yourself to a timeless favorite.

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