There’s a certain joy that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious in the kitchen, and these Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas deliver just that. With their golden-brown, crispy crust hugging a savory, perfectly seasoned beef filling, they transform everyday dinners into something special. One chilly evening, as I pondered what to whip up for dinner, I found a craving for something hearty yet healthy. These empanadas rose to the occasion, seamlessly blending authentic Spanish flavors with a low-carb profile—the best of both worlds!
What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian at heart, there’s a filling here that will make your taste buds dance. These make for an easy weeknight meal or a stunning appetizer for your next gathering, all while keeping your carb count delightfully low. With just 6 grams of carbs per serving, they’re perfect for anyone looking to shake up their meal plan without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious bites at home!
Why you’ll love Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas?
Delicious and Satisfying: Experience golden, crispy empanadas loaded with savory beef that elevate your home cooking.
Keto-Friendly: With only 6g of carbs per serving, they fit perfectly into low-carb diets.
Versatile Fillings: Customize with beef, chicken, or even veggies to cater to everyone’s taste.
Quick Prep: Easy to assemble, these empanadas can swiftly transform into a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Meal Prep Savvy: Prepare ahead of time; they freeze beautifully, making mealtime a breeze!
Share them with friends and family to impress with flavors that feel indulgent yet guilt-free.
Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas Ingredients
For the Filling
- Avocado Oil – For sautéing the beef; adds healthy fats.
- Ground Beef – Main protein source; provides flavor and texture. Substitute with ground pork, dark meat chicken, or ground turkey for variation.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and flavor; finely chopped for even distribution.
- Garlic – Enhances savory notes; always use minced for the best flavor.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings for flavor; adjust to taste.
- Ground Cumin – Adds warmth and depth; enhances the beef flavors beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika – Provides a smoky flavor; key to achieving authentic taste.
For the Dough
- Mozzarella Cheese – Forms the primary dough component; adds elasticity for perfect empanada shapes.
- Cream Cheese – Contributes to a creamy texture in the dough; essential for tenderness.
- Almond Flour – Gluten-free flour alternative providing structure; avoid direct substitution with coconut flour without adjustments.
- Egg – Acts as a binding agent in the dough, crucial for maintaining shape while baking.
How to Make Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your empanadas bake evenly and don’t stick.
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Sauté the ground beef and onion in a skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat, cooking until the beef is no longer red, about 4 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
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Combine the beef mixture with minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika in the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, allowing those unique flavors to meld together, then set aside to cool slightly.
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Melt the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, stirring until smooth. This will form a deliciously stretchy dough base for your empanadas.
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Mix in the almond flour and egg with the melted cheeses until well combined, creating a pliable dough. It should be smooth and not sticky, so add a tiny bit more almond flour if needed.
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Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment until it’s about ⅛-inch thick, then use a round cutter to cut out 3.5-inch circles. This thickness will create the perfect crispy crust.
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Fill each dough circle with a tablespoon of the beef mixture. Carefully fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal tightly, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the empanadas and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Your kitchen will smell divine!
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Cool the empanadas for at least 10 minutes before serving; this heavenly combination of textures will be worth the wait.
Optional: Serve with avocado-lime crema or a fresh herb dip for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance; simply sauté the ground beef and let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. To maintain their quality, be sure to wrap the dough tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to enjoy, simply roll out the chilled dough, fill it, and bake as directed. This way, you can have delicious, homemade empanadas ready in no time, making weeknight meals effortless and satisfying!
How to Store and Freeze Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas
Room Temperature: Keep empanadas at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving immediately. Place them in a single layer on a plate to maintain their crispy texture.
Fridge: Store any uneaten empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crunch.
Freezer: Freeze fully baked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until heated through.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. This keeps your Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas deliciously enjoyable!
Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these empanadas uniquely yours with various filling options that tantalize your taste buds!
- Creamy Chicken: Substitute shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese and diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. This creamy blend adds a delightful richness.
- Chorizo Delight: Experiment with cooked chorizo and cotija cheese for a bold, flavorful twist reminiscent of Mexican street food. These empanadas bring a zing to every bite!
- Vegetarian Medley: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese create a savory, satisfying vegetarian option. Each bite bursts with earthy flavor and freshness.
- Seafood Surprise: Try crab meat with a hint of lemon and herbs for a light and refreshing alternative. These seafood-filled empanadas are perfect for a coastal flair!
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Use shredded pulled pork mixed with sugar-free BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet twist. This variation works beautifully for gatherings or barbecues.
- Breakfast-Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage for a hearty breakfast empanada. Perfect for brunch or meal prep!
- Buffalo Cauliflower: For a spicy twist, fill with roasted cauliflower tossed in buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of blue cheese. This bold vegetarian option will impress everyone!
- Curried Beef: Spice things up with ground beef mixed with curry powder and peas, offering a flavorful global twist that’s sure to surprise. Each bite has a story to tell!
Expert Tips for Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas
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Cool the Mixture: Allow the beef filling to cool slightly before filling the dough; this prevents the mozzarella from melting prematurely.
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Avoid Sticky Dough: If the dough becomes sticky, lightly moisten your hands or refrigerate for a short time before rolling; this ensures easy handling and perfect empanadas.
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Sealing Technique: Make sure the edges are pinched tightly to avoid any filling leakage during baking; a wet finger can help seal the dough.
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Baking Precision: Bake until golden brown and firm, typically around 18-20 minutes total; underbaking can lead to a soft crust rather than a crispy finish.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap out the beef for your favorite protein or veggies; exploring variations enhances your Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas experience!
What to Serve with Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas?
Transform your meal into a delightful feast by pairing these delicious pockets with complementary sides and drinks.
- Avocado-Lime Crema: This rich, creamy dip brightens the savory flavors of the empanadas and complements their texture beautifully.
- Sugar-Free Tomato Salsa: A fresh and tangy salsa adds a burst of flavor, balancing the richness of the beef filling while keeping it low-carb.
- Herbed Sour Cream Dip: Creamy and refreshing, this dip enhances the empanadas with an extra layer of flavor, perfect for those who love a tangy touch.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, flaky empanadas, creating a wholesome balance.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil and garlic serve as a healthy side, offering a refreshing crunch alongside the rich empanadas.
- Sparkling Water: A fizzy drink is a delightful alternative to sugary beverages, quenching your thirst while maintaining the meal’s lightness.
- Mango Chia Pudding: For dessert, this sweet yet healthy treat rounds out the meal beautifully, keeping everything on the low-carb theme while satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Chilled Red Wine: A glass of chilled red wine enhances the dining experience, pairing beautifully with the hearty flavors of the empanadas.
- Roasted Cauliflower: This warm and buttery side provides a lovely texture contrast, elevating your dining experience with a savory yet nutritious addition.
- Grilled Asparagus: Offering a vibrant pop of color and a slight crunch, grilled asparagus adds freshness and a gourmet touch to your meal.
Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas Recipe FAQs
What kind of ground beef should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! Opt for a good quality ground beef that has a higher fat content, like 80/20, as it adds flavor and juiciness to your empanadas. I recommend avoiding overly lean meats, as they can make the filling dry. You could also try ground pork, dark meat ground chicken, or even ground turkey. Just ensure to season well, as lean meats may need extra flavor enhancements.
How should I store my leftover empanadas?
Very good question! After enjoying these delicious Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, reheat them in the oven for the best results.
Can I freeze the empanadas, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your empanadas, first let them cool completely after baking. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough feels too sticky to work with, you may need to add a little more almond flour to achieve the right consistency. Another great tip is to moisten your hands lightly or chill the dough briefly in the refrigerator before rolling it out. This will make all the difference in handling the dough without it sticking all over.
Are these empanadas safe for people with gluten allergies?
Yes! These Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas are entirely gluten-free, thanks to the almond flour. However, always check the labels on your almond flour and any other processed ingredients to confirm they’re certified gluten-free. This makes them a fantastic option for anyone following a gluten-free diet, but if you’re making them for someone with food allergies, it’s best to be extra cautious!
How can I ensure my empanadas are crispy?
To achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior, make sure to bake your empanadas until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch, usually around 18-20 minutes total. Additionally, letting them cool for about 10 minutes after baking will help maintain their crunch instead of becoming soggy. Following these simple tips will give you that perfect crispy crust every time!
Oven-Baked Keto Empanadas You’ll Crave Again and Again
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté the ground beef and onion in a skillet with avocado oil over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer red, about 4 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Combine the beef mixture with minced garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional minute and set aside to cool slightly.
- Melt the mozzarella and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in the almond flour and egg with the melted cheeses until well combined, creating a pliable dough.
- Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment until about ⅛-inch thick, then cut out 3.5-inch circles.
- Fill each dough circle with a tablespoon of the beef mixture. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and continue baking for another 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the empanadas for at least 10 minutes before serving.
