Authentic Chilean Empanadas with Beef, Olives & Eggs

Created on July 23rd, 2025 at 11:50 am

Chilean Beef Empanadas

There’s something magical about the first bite of a Chilean empanada—flaky crust, warm spiced beef, and that perfect salty-sweet filling. A taste of tradition wrapped in golden pastry 🧡

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⏱️ Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 12 empanadas

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📝 Ingredients List:

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup chopped black olives
• 3 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Dough:

• 1 cup lukewarm milk
• 1 cup melted shortening
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten (plus extra for egg wash)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Filling:
   Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion is golden (5–7 minutes).
2. Brown the Beef:
   Add ground beef and cook until browned (7–10 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Finish the Filling:
   Stir in raisins, olives, and chopped eggs. In a small bowl, whisk water with cornstarch and add to the pan. Cook until thickened. Let cool.
4. Prepare the Dough:
   In a bowl, mix lukewarm milk and melted shortening. In another bowl, combine flour and salt, then add the milk mixture. Mix to form dough. Let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Assemble the Empanadas 🥟:
   Roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 12 circles. Add filling to the center of each, fold, and seal with a fork.
6. Bake:
   Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden brown ✨

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💡 Pro Tips:

• Storage: Store leftover empanadas in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Freezer Friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked empanadas up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
• Substitution Idea: Try ground chicken or turkey for a leaner filling.
• Serving Tip: Pair with a simple tomato salsa or pebre for dipping!

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📊 Nutrition Info Table:

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 empanada	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.