Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a delightful and super quick dinner idea, let me introduce you to my Quick Ground Pork Empanadas. You know those evenings when you’re running around, trying to juggle a million things, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen? This delicious recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just a little frying, making it the perfect weeknight meal your family will rave about! Plus, you can switch up the ingredients or use it as a way to clean out the fridge. Trust me, these empanadas are a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough discs
- Oil for frying
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough that a small piece of onion sizzles when you toss it in!
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to cook them until the onions are translucent and fragrant, around 5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
Cook the Pork: Add the ground pork, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Break it up and cook until the pork is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Trust me; scraping the yummy bits off the bottom really enhances the flavor!
Cool the Filling: Once done, let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the empanada dough, about 5 minutes should do the trick!
Fill the Discs: On each empanada dough disc, place about 1-2 tablespoons of the pork filling in the center. Here’s a tip: try not to overfill, or they’ll explode in oil, no one wants a greasy mess!
Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down and seal the edges. It’s totally okay if they look a little rustic, homemade is the best kind of pretty!
Fry the Empanadas: In a clean skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Just be sure not to overload the pan; we want them crispy!
Drain and Serve: Carefully remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. I’m all about some zesty salsa!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet satisfying. Every bite is loaded with flavor and texture, and honestly, once you go for that crispy exterior followed by the tender, savory filling, you’ll understand why this has become a family favorite! Plus, the best part is that you can customize these empanadas based on whatever you have on hand. Leftover veggies? Toss ’em in! This versatility is totally why I’m a huge fan of this dish!
If you loved these empanadas, be sure to check out my Juicy Marry Me Pork Tenderloin, my Crispy Coated Pork Tenderloin, or my Crispy Pan-Fried Pork Belly!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! This is one of those recipes that can satisfy hunger without taking up your whole evening.
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Swap out the pork for vegetables, chicken, or even cheese. It can be a clean-out-the-fridge meal.
Crowd-Pleaser
Loaded with tons of flavor, these empanadas are perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in.
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you can find right in your pantry or fridge!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the empanadas just before frying. It’s the perfect meal prep option for busy weeks!
How to Serve This
Serving Suggestions
These empanadas are delightful on their own, but they can be even better when served with sides! Think about pairing them with a fresh salad or maybe some seasoned rice. A dollop of sour cream or some zesty salsa can elevate those flavors even more!
Storage and Reheating
- How Long It Keeps: The empanadas will last about 3 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.
- Best Method to Reheat: I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get that crispy texture back.
- Freezer Friendly: Absolutely! You can freeze the empanadas before frying. Just make sure to place parchment paper between them in the freezer. When you’re ready to fry, no need to thaw, just add a couple more minutes to the frying time!
Final Thoughts
Cooking should be fun and stress-free, and my Quick Ground Pork Empanadas embody just that! This simple, versatile recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or cozy evenings. It’s all about creating meals that bring people together and make memory-making easier, right?
So go ahead, whip up a batch (or two) of these empanadas, and delight in the fact that you’ve got everyone’s favorite meal on the table in no time. Enjoy every crispy, savory bite!
Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Quick Ground Pork Empanadas
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground pork, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once done, let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the empanada dough, about 5 minutes.
- On each empanada dough disc, place about 1-2 tablespoons of the pork filling in the center.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges using a fork.
- In a clean skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauces.