Nothing beats the joy of biting into flaky, golden pockets filled with a savory-sweet beef mixture, right? This Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe is exactly that—a fun, flavor-packed twist that uses pan-fried pizza dough to cradle a warm picadillo filling bursting with spiced ground beef, golden raisins, briny olives, and gooey pepper jack cheese. Trust me, once you try these empanadas, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Four fried empanadas with a golden-brown crust arranged in a rough square on a white plate. The plate has a white paper towel underneath the empanadas. Each empanada is crescent-shaped with small bubbles on the surface and a twisted edge pattern. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. 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 absolutely adore how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between crispy, cheesy, and fresh. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and the side salad adds just the right refreshing crunch.

Quick and Easy Prep: The dough rests twice but the hands-on time is only about 25 minutes—perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Balanced Flavor profile: Sweet golden raisins, tangy olives, and spicy fajita seasoning create a deliciously complex filling.
Versatile Cooking Methods: You can pan-fry, bake, or air-fry these empanadas depending on your mood or kitchen setup.
Perfect Pairing: The crisp baby lettuce and cooling cucumber salad dressed with Southwest dressing brighten every bite beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering your ingredients ahead of time will make this cozy cooking experience smooth and fun. Here are a few tips—look for organic ground beef for that quality you can taste, and pick fresh produce to complement the rich flavors in the filling.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour sprinkled on a white ceramic plate, a whole uncracked brown onion, a handful of fresh green olives, one mini cucumber with glossy dark green skin, a ripe red tomato, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden raisins, a wedge of creamy pepper jack cheese with visible specks of peppers, a neat pile of organic ground beef in natural red color, a fresh baby lettuce head with crisp green leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich reddish Southwest dressing, a round piece of smooth white pizza dough resting on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl containing a golden cooking oil, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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 your work surface and rolling out the dough so it doesn’t stick.
Pizza Dough: Using pre-made pizza dough is a clever shortcut that yields a flaky, chewy empanada crust with minimal effort.
Organic Ground Beef: Adds hearty richness and is the star protein for this picadillo filling.
Onion: Provides sweet and savory depth, sautéed until just soft for a perfect texture contrast.
Tomato: Brings a juicy freshness that balances the spices and richness.
Golden Raisins: Adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the filling uniquely.
Green Olives: Their briny punch cuts through the richness with tang and texture.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully inside, giving a creamy, mildly spicy finish.
Fajita Spice Blend: The key seasoning that spices up the beef mixture with warm Southwestern flavors.
Garlic Powder: Enhances savory depth without overwhelming.
Beef Stock Concentrate: Boosts umami richness in the filling.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing all the flavors harmoniously.
Cooking Oil: For frying, gives you that addictive crispy golden exterior.
Baby Lettuce: Crisp, tender base for the refreshing side salad.
Mini Cucumber: Cool, crunchy veggie slices that pair perfectly with the Southwest dressing.
Southwest Dressing: Adds creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy notes to brighten the salad.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to swap cheeses, experiment with cooking methods, or add your favorite spices, these empanadas welcome creativity in the kitchen.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the ground beef for a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms, walnuts, and chopped olives for a delightful plant-based twist that still packs plenty of texture and flavor.
Baking Instead of Frying: I love how baking the empanadas makes them a little lighter but still perfectly golden and flaky. Just pop them in the oven at 450°F for 13–18 minutes, and you have less oil, same great taste!
Cheese Choices: Pepper jack cheese gives a nice kick, but if you prefer something milder, Monterey Jack or mozzarella work beautifully. I find mozzarella melts extra gooey and gooey, perfect for cheese lovers.
Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder ups the warmth and smoky notes, perfect against the sweet raisins and olives.

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

The image shows four uncooked dumplings placed in a square shape on a white marbled surface. Each dumpling has a smooth, pale dough exterior with a braided edge pattern, making the edges look thicker and textured. There is a light dusting of flour on top of the dumplings and the marble surface around them, which softens the look of the dough. The dumplings have a plump, rounded shape, and the lighting highlights the softness of the dough. No other items or decorations are visible in the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Getting the Dough Ready

Start by sprinkling 3 tablespoons of flour onto a clean work surface to prevent sticking. Remove your pizza dough from its packaging and cut it into four equal portions. Roll each portion lightly in flour, shaking off any extras, then cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let this rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This resting period helps relax the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Prepping the Fresh Ingredients

While the dough rests, take this time to wash and dry your produce thoroughly. Peel and dice the onion and tomato into roughly ¼-inch pieces for a nice even texture in the filling. Give the golden raisins and green olives a rough chop to meld all those flavors beautifully inside the empanadas.

Step 3: Cooking the Picadillo Filling

Heat a drizzle of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add your diced onions and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until it starts to brown nicely, about 3–4 minutes. Then stir in the diced tomato, raisins, fajita spice blend, garlic powder, and beef stock concentrate. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked. If there's excess grease, carefully drain it off. Transfer this delicious filling to a medium bowl and wash your pan to prepare for frying.

Step 4: Rolling Out the Dough Circles

After the initial rest, sprinkle another 1–2 tablespoons of flour on your clean surface. Roll each piece of dough into a rough circle – don’t worry about perfect shapes since you’ll stretch them later. Set the rounds aside and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes. This second rest ensures your dough relaxes even more, making shaping easier and yielding a tender crust.

Step 5: Assembling the Side Salad

While the dough is on its second rest, prep the fresh salad. Trim off the root end of your baby lettuce and chop the leaves into bite-size pieces. Trim and thinly slice your cucumber into rounds. This crisp and refreshing salad will balance the richness of your empanadas perfectly.

Step 6: Mixing in Olives and Cheese

Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, stir in your chopped green olives and pepper jack cheese until everything is well combined. This step lets the cheese melt gently into the savory filling without clumping, delivering melty, spicy pockets in every bite.

Step 7: Shaping the Empanadas

Stretch each dough circle out to about 6 inches in diameter. Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of the filling onto the bottom half of the dough, leaving a half-inch border. Moisten the edges lightly with water using your finger or a brush. Fold the dough over, gently pressing to seal the edges and avoid air pockets. Then use a fork to crimp the edges securely. This ensures the filling stays locked in during frying or baking.

Step 8: Frying the Empanadas to Crispy Perfection

Heat about a third-inch layer of cooking oil in your cleaned pan over medium heat. Test the oil by sprinkling a pinch of flour; if it sizzles, it’s ready. Fry the empanadas in batches (no more than two at once) to keep them from crowding. Cook each side for 1–2 minutes until golden brown, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning. Once done, transfer empanadas to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 9: Alternative Cooking Methods

If frying isn’t your thing, baking or air frying are excellent options. For baking, arrange empanadas on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F on the top rack for 13–18 minutes, until golden and cooked through. For air frying, lightly spray empanadas with nonstick spray and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.

Step 10: Tossing and Serving the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, cucumber slices, Southwest dressing, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss it all together until the leaves are coated evenly. This bright salad is the perfect companion to your rich, cheesy empanadas.

Step 11: Plate Up and Enjoy!

Divide your crispy, melty empanadas and fresh salad between plates. Serve warm and savor the delicious balance of flavors and textures—from the crispy, cheesy empanada crust to the sweet-salty picadillo filling and refreshing salad. Enjoy every bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe is all about balance—between the crispy dough, the flavorful filling, and the perfect cooking technique. These tips will help you ensure every bite is a delicious success.

Resting the Dough: Letting the dough rest twice—once after portioning and again after rolling—makes it easier to shape and prevents tearing during folding. It’s a game changer!
Frying Temperature: Keep your oil at medium heat and test it by sprinkling a pinch of flour; a gentle sizzle means it’s just right to get that golden, crispy crust without burning.
Sealing Empanadas: Use a bit of water around the edges before folding and crimp firmly with a fork to avoid leaks during frying. Avoid trapping air bubbles inside to prevent breakage.
Cheese Choice: Pepper jack adds a lovely kick and melts beautifully, but don’t be afraid to try Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you prefer a milder, melty filling.

How to Serve Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas Recipe

On a white plate, there are three golden-brown fried pastries with a crispy, bubbly texture, each partially filled with a dark, seasoned meat and vegetable mixture visible at the edges. To the side, there is a fresh green salad made of leafy lettuce and sliced cucumber, lightly peppered. A small white dish holds a pale yellow creamy sauce, placed next to the pastries. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of tangy sour cream or a drizzle of creamy avocado crema complements the savory-sweet filling perfectly. For a little heat, serve with your favorite salsa or a squeeze of fresh lime.

Side Dishes

The included side salad with baby lettuce, cucumber, and Southwest dressing offers a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. Other great options include black bean salad, Mexican street corn, or lightly seasoned rice to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover empanadas to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling flavorful and the dough from getting soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze uncooked empanadas by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag; they will keep well for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to frying or baking time.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated empanadas in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm them gently in a pan over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to keep that irresistible crispy crust!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works wonderfully and saves time, giving you that flaky, crispy crust perfect for empanadas.

How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?

Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. The meat will also lose its pink color and be browned throughout.

Can I bake instead of fry the empanadas?

Yes! For baking, place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F on the top rack for 13-18 minutes until golden and cooked through. Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version.

What can I substitute for pepper jack cheese?

You can swap pepper jack for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any semi-soft cheese you enjoy. Keep in mind this will affect the flavor slightly—pepper jack adds a nice bit of spice.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Beef and Olive Empanadas are a true celebration of flavors—the perfect balance of savory ground beef, briny olives, sweet raisins, and melty cheese wrapped in golden, crispy pizza dough. Serving them with a fresh side salad keeps the meal light and bright. I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!