These Río de la Plata mini empanadas use small pastry rounds and a savory beef, onion, olive and egg filling. Bake them until golden for an easy party appetizer.
Recipe details
- Prep time: 20 min
- Cook time: 18 min
- Total time: 38 min
- Yield: 16 mini empanadas
- Difficulty: Easy
- Estimated cost per serving: $0.70
Ingredients
- 16 small empanada wrappers
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 10 oz (285 g) ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
- 6 green olives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment.
- Sauté the onion in oil for 4 minutes. Add the beef, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper; cook for 6 minutes and cool slightly.
- Mix the hard-boiled egg and olives into the filling.
- Place a small spoonful on each wrapper, moisten the edge, fold and seal with a fork or decorative crimp.
- Brush with beaten egg and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until golden. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and variations
- Keep the filling cool or lukewarm so it does not soften the dough.
- Assemble up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate until baking.
How to serve
Serve them hot or warm with mild chimichurri, salsa criolla, or a fresh salad. For a mixed appetizer platter, plan on two to three mini empanadas per guest.
Make-ahead instructions
The filling can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated in a covered container. You may also freeze the assembled unbaked empanadas on a tray, transfer them to a freezer bag, and bake from frozen with 4 to 6 extra minutes.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking and use within 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer to restore the crisp crust; microwaving will soften the pastry.
Estimated nutrition
Approximately 145 calories per mini empanada, with 7 g protein, 14 g carbohydrate, and 7 g fat. Actual values vary with the pastry wrappers and beef used.
Nutrition information is an estimate and varies by brands and portions used.
