How to Make an Empanada

Empanadas are Spanish-style appetizers and can be made to fit a variety of tastes, including vegetarian, meat-lovers, dessert and more. These appetizers are easy to make and can be served at just about any function from a fiesta to a baby shower. Follow these steps to prepare a meat-lovers version of the empanada.

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, with extra for rolling dough
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp. shortening
• 1 tsp. salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup water
• ½ lb. ground hamburger
• ½ lb. ground sausage
• 1 bag real bacon bits
• 1 large minced onion
• 3 tsp. Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
• 30 oz. tomato sauce
• 14 oz. bag of shredded cheese, any blend

Instructions

Prepare the Dough and Filling

1. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.

2. Add the shortening, olive oil and water to the flour mixture.

3. Mix all ingredients together until fully blended. If dough is extremely sticky, you may opt to add a bit more flour.

4. Set dough mixture aside while you prepare the empanada filling.

5. Brown hamburger and sausage until done. Then add the onions and bacon bits and sauté the mixture on low heat until onions are brown and soft.

6. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, chili powder, parsley and tomato sauce. Allow mixture to simmer over low heat for five minutes.

7. Remove filling mixture from the heat and get ready to fill the empanada dough.

Make the Empanadas

1. Dust a small handful of flour on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough and form small balls of dough, roughly the size of golf balls.

2. Flatten each ball of dough into a flat circle. Dough should be rolled out to approximately four inches in diameter. The dough should be able to hold a tablespoon of filling and fold in half.

3. Place flattened dough on a greased pan and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

4. Use a tablespoon to place a mound of filling slightly to the right of the center of your dough circles. Be sure to leave a small margin of dough on the edges.

5. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.

6. Fold each circle in half, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal the empanada.

7. Bake the pan of empanadas for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.