Name: Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: ½ cup flour; 1 unit pizza dough; 10 ounces organic ground beef; 1 unit onion; 1 unit tomato; 1 unit green olives; 1 ounce golden raisins; ½ cup pepper jack cheese; 1 tablespoon fajita spice blend; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 unit beef stock concentrate; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Cooking oil (about 1/3 inch layer for frying); 1 unit baby lettuce; 1 unit mini cucumber; 1.5 ounces southwest dressing; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

If you’re craving something crispy on the outside and bursting with bold, savory-sweet flavors inside, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe blends spiced organic ground beef, briny olives, golden raisins, and melty pepper jack cheese—all wrapped in flaky pan-fried pizza dough. It’s a little Latin American magic right in your kitchen.

A white plate holds four golden brown empanadas arranged in a loose circle on a white paper towel. Each empanada has a shiny, crimped edge and a slightly bubbled, crisp surface showing textures of light and darker golden areas. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with subtle grey veins. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these empanadas. Each bite is a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and just a hint of sweet from the raisins, with that fajita spice bringing a kick of warmth. Plus, pairing them with a fresh, tangy Southwest salad makes this meal feel balanced and satisfying every time.

Quick and satisfying: From dough prep to frying, it all comes together in just an hour.
Flavor-packed filling: The blend of organic ground beef, olives, and golden raisins is a game-changer for savory-sweet lovers.
Flexible cooking methods: Whether you prefer frying, baking, or air frying, this recipe has you covered.
Perfect for sharing: Makes 2 hearty servings—ideal for a cozy dinner or small gathering.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick rundown of what I use and why. Picking fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference. For instance, organic ground beef gives a rich flavor and better texture, while the golden raisins add a lovely sweetness that balances the briny olives beautifully.

Flat lay of a small pile of white all-purpose flour, one whole white onion with smooth skin, a small cluster of whole green olives, one mini cucumber sliced into rounds, one ripe red tomato with shiny skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown beef stock concentrate, a wedge of creamy pepper jack cheese with specks of red and green peppers, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden raisins, a fresh baby lettuce head with crisp green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of light orange southwest dressing, one smooth ball of pale pizza dough, a portion of raw organic ground beef in a neat mound, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, tiny white ceramic bowls with salt and black peppercorns each, and a small white ceramic bowl with golden cooking oil—all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flour: Essential for dusting and rolling out the dough to prevent sticking.
Pizza dough: The base for these empanadas, providing that beautifully flaky crust when pan-fried.
Organic ground beef: I prefer organic for its quality and flavor, and it forms the hearty foundation of the filling.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch once sautéed.
Tomato: Brings moisture and a subtle tang to the picadillo blend.
Green olives: Their salty, briny punch is key to the savory backbone of this recipe.
Golden raisins: For that unexpected touch of sweetness that makes these empanadas stand out.
Pepper jack cheese: Melts perfectly inside, adding creaminess and a little heat.
Fajita spice blend: This blend rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth.
Garlic powder: A simple way to boost savoriness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Beef stock concentrate: Amplifies the meaty richness of the filling.
Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings for balancing all flavors.
Cooking oil: For frying the empanadas to that perfect golden crisp.
Baby lettuce: The base of the refreshing side salad, light and crisp.
Mini cucumber: Adds cool crunch to balance the rich empanadas.
Southwest dressing: This ties the salad together with vibrant, tangy notes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe is how adaptable it is! Feel free to tweak the fillings or cooking methods to suit your mood, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge.

Variation: I love swapping the pepper jack cheese with a sharper cheddar or even some crumbled feta for a tangy twist. It balances beautifully with the sweet raisins and salty olives.
Dietary-friendly: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free dough or even large lettuce leaves to wrap your filling for a light, fresh take.
Seasonal twist: When tomatoes are at their peak, adding a bit of fresh diced tomato gives an added juiciness that really brightens the filling.
Cooking methods: While pan-frying gives you that perfect crispy crust, I’ve also baked them for a healthier version or air-fried for a quick and convenient alternative — both turn out fantastic!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe

Four uncooked dumplings are placed in a 2 by 2 formation on a white marbled surface. Each dumpling is crescent-shaped with a smooth, pale dough exterior and has a tightly braided edge running along the curved side. The dumplings have a slightly powdery texture from flour dusting on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Rest the Dough for Perfect Flakiness

Start by sprinkling 3 tablespoons of flour over a clean work surface. Remove your pizza dough from the packaging and cut it into four equal portions (or eight if you're making four servings). Lightly coat each dough piece in flour and shake off any excess. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. This resting period helps relax the dough, making it easier to roll out later without shrinking. If you’re planning to bake instead of fry, this is a great time to preheat your oven to 450°F and adjust the rack to the top position.

Step 2: Freshly Prep Your Veggies and Olives

While the dough is taking its well-deserved break, wash and dry all your produce thoroughly. Peel and halve the onion, then dice it finely into ¼-inch pieces. Do the same with the tomato, aiming for a similar size so everything cooks evenly. Roughly chop the green olives and golden raisins to keep their bursts of flavor balanced throughout the filling.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Brown the Beef

Heat a small drizzle of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become slightly softened and fragrant—about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add your organic ground beef to the pan. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until it just starts to brown, roughly 3 to 4 minutes. You’re aiming for tender, flavorful beef that will soak up all the spices.

Step 4: Build Layers of Flavor with Seasonings

Now, it’s time to add the stars that give this picadillo its unique character. Stir in the diced tomato, golden raisins, fajita spice blend, garlic powder, and beef stock concentrate. Continue cooking, stirring gently, for another 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and the flavors meld together. If there’s any excess grease at this point, drain it off carefully to keep the filling just right. Transfer the filling to a medium bowl, and give your pan a good wash and dry so it’s ready for frying later.

Step 5: Roll Out and Rest the Dough Again

After the initial dough rest, sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour on your work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each dough piece into a rough circle — no need to fuss over perfect shape! Once rolled, let the dough rest for another 10 minutes. This extra rest helps prevent it from snapping back when you stretch it later, making your empanada shaping easier.

Step 6: Prepare the Side Salad

While your dough takes its second rest, trim off and discard the root ends from the baby lettuce leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the mini cucumber thinly into rounds. Keep these fresh ingredients cool—they’ll add a crisp, vibrant contrast to your rich empanadas.

Step 7: Mix Olives and Cheese into the Filling

Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly (this prevents the cheese from melting too soon), gently stir in the chopped olives and pepper jack cheese until everything is evenly incorporated. This step brings a lovely depth—melty, cheesy pockets mixed with savory, salty bursts that make every bite a delight.

Step 8: Shape Your Empanadas

Gently stretch each rested dough circle into a larger circle about 6 inches wide. Spoon roughly ⅓ cup of the filling onto the bottom half of the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edge. Using your finger or a brush, swipe a little water around the edge to help seal. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges together firmly but carefully to avoid trapping air inside. Then use a fork to crimp the edges tightly—this prevents any yummy filling from escaping during frying.

Step 9: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Pour enough cooking oil into your cleaned pan to create a ⅓-inch layer and heat it over medium. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle just a pinch of flour into the oil—it should sizzle right away. Gently place two empanadas in the oil at a time, frying each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they’re golden brown and irresistible. If you notice them browning too fast, turn the heat down a bit. Once cooked, transfer empanadas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 10: Alternative Cooking Methods for Busy Days

If frying isn’t your thing, no worries! For a baked version, place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake on the top rack in a 450°F oven for 13 to 18 minutes until beautifully browned and cooked through. Or, for a quicker fix, lightly spray empanadas with nonstick spray and arrange them in your air fryer basket without overcrowding. Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.

Step 11: Toss Your Refreshing Side Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped baby lettuce, cucumber slices, and southwest dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything well to coat. This fresh salad cuts through the richness and adds a bright, crunchy finish to your meal.

Step 12: Plate and Enjoy!

Divide your crispy empanadas and fresh salad among plates and serve immediately. Remember, the ground beef inside is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, so you can enjoy these flavorful little pockets with confidence. Dig in and savor each delicious, crispy bite!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe with confidence and ease, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced and delicious.

Rest the Dough Properly: Letting the dough rest twice—once before rolling and once after—makes it much easier to stretch and shape without it snapping back, giving you beautifully flaky empanadas every time.
Seal Edges Firmly: Using water and a fork to crimp the edges not only creates a strong seal to prevent filling leaks but also adds a charming rustic touch that's satisfying to see.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Fry over medium heat and test readiness by sizzling a pinch of flour in the oil—this helps achieve that perfect golden crisp without burning.
Balance Sweet & Savory: The combination of golden raisins and briny olives can be tricky to perfect, so taste your filling as you cook and adjust seasonings to make sure that sweet meets savory in harmony.

How to Serve Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three golden brown fried pastries filled with meat, having a crispy texture with small bubbles on the surface. Behind the pastries, there is a fresh green salad made of lettuce and cucumber slices scattered on the right side of the plate. On the left side of the plate, there is a small white bowl containing a creamy light yellow sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the empanadas before serving. A dollop of crema or sour cream on the side adds a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully. You can also offer lime wedges to squeeze over for an extra zing.

Side Dishes

This recipe includes a crisp side salad with baby lettuce, cucumber, and southwest dressing that perfectly balances the rich and savory empanadas. Additionally, a simple black bean and corn salad or a bowl of seasoned rice can round out the meal nicely for heartier appetites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain their texture and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange uncooked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (a few hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, cook from frozen following the frying, baking, or air frying instructions—just increase cooking time slightly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisped back up. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delicious crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for these empanadas?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe. Just follow the resting and rolling steps carefully to get the best texture.

What if I don’t have pepper jack cheese?

If pepper jack cheese isn’t available, you can substitute it with a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. The key is to have a melty, slightly spicy cheese that complements the picadillo flavors.

Can I bake or air fry instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake the empanadas at 450°F on the top rack for 13-18 minutes until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway. Baking or air frying offers a lighter option with great crispness.

How do I know when the beef filling is fully cooked and safe?

Ground beef must reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check, especially if making a larger batch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a homemade Crispy Beef and Olive Empanada—the perfect marriage of crispy, chewy dough and rich, flavorful filling with sweet bursts from golden raisins. Paired with the refreshing side salad, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and balanced. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!