Savory & Delicious Keto Empanadas: Your Ultimate Low-Carb Snack or Meal
Discover the magic of these incredible keto empanadas – a truly perfect low-carb snack, appetizer, or even a satisfying meal. Imagine a beautifully cheesy, exquisitely flaky keto crust, lovingly folded around a rich, savory filling of perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender sautéed vegetables, then baked until golden brown and utterly irresistible. These low-carb empanadas are so incredibly delicious, they’re guaranteed to be a hit even with the carb-eaters in your family! They offer all the comfort and flavor of traditional empanadas without compromising your ketogenic lifestyle, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a wholesome, gluten-free, and remarkably flavorful option.
Why This Keto Empanada Recipe Stands Out
- **Unforgettable Flavor and Texture:** These empanadas are an absolute delight for your taste buds. The unique keto empanada dough bakes up beautifully, achieving a wonderfully crisp and flaky texture that perfectly complements the hearty filling. Inside, the ground beef filling is bursting with robust flavor, thanks to a thoughtful blend of sautéed vegetables and savory taco seasoning. Every bite is a harmonious combination of tender meat, aromatic spices, and a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
- **Effortless Preparation with Pantry Staples:** You’ll be surprised at how simple these keto empanadas are to prepare! If you’re already following a ketogenic diet, chances are you have most, if not all, of the necessary ingredients readily available in your pantry. This recipe uses common low-carb staples, meaning you can whip up a batch of these savory pockets without a special trip to the grocery store. The straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- **Perfect for Meal Prepping and Make-Ahead Convenience:** One of the best aspects of these keto empanadas is their flexibility for meal planning. You can easily prepare both the flavorful filling and the adaptable dough in advance. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to assemble and bake, just allow the filling to come to room temperature, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written. This makes them an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
- **Diet-Friendly and Delicious for Everyone:** These low-carb empanadas are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort food while adhering to a ketogenic or gluten-free diet. What’s even better is that their delicious taste and satisfying texture appeal to everyone, not just those on a special diet. It’s a dish that truly bridges the gap, allowing the whole family to enjoy a flavorful meal together.
- **Versatile for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack, a convenient grab-and-go lunch, a hearty appetizer for a gathering, or even a unique dinner option, these keto empanadas fit the bill. Their portable nature makes them ideal for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying on the go.
Essential Ingredients for Keto Empanadas
Crafting the perfect keto empanada starts with understanding the role of each key ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe special:
Ground Beef – This recipe features ground beef as the savory core of our empanada filling, providing a rich and satisfying base that pairs wonderfully with the robust taco seasoning and tender vegetables. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the ground beef for other lean ground meats such as ground pork, ground turkey, or ground chicken. Each alternative will offer a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize the empanadas to your preference without compromising the low-carb nature of the dish.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – A crucial component of our unique keto crust, shredded mozzarella cheese contributes to both its texture and flavor. Here’s a keto pro-tip: opt for a fresh block of mozzarella and grate or shred it yourself at home. While pre-packaged shredded cheese offers convenience, it often contains unnecessary fillers and anti-caking agents designed to prevent clumping. The downside of these additives? They can introduce extra, unwanted carbohydrates into your meal and can also affect the texture, making the dough less pliable and the cheese less melty. By shredding your own, you ensure a purer, lower-carb, and better-melting cheese for your dough.
Almond Flour – As the primary flour for our low-carb crust, almond flour is key to achieving the desired texture without the carbs found in traditional wheat flour. It provides a tender, slightly nutty flavor and a good structure when combined with other ingredients. We’ve specifically developed and tested this recipe using almond flour, and therefore, we cannot confidently recommend any direct substitutions with other low-carb flours like coconut flour or lupin flour, as they have different absorption rates and binding properties. If you decide to experiment with alternatives, please share your results – we’d love to hear how it goes!
Xanthan Gum – This ingredient might seem less common, but it’s absolutely vital for the success of this keto empanada dough. In gluten-free and low-carb baking, xanthan gum acts as a binder and thickener, mimicking the elasticity and structure that gluten provides in traditional flours. I’ve personally experimented with making these empanadas without it, and the dough simply didn’t hold together or achieve the right texture. It’s essential for creating a pliable, workable dough that can be shaped, folded, and baked without falling apart. Do not skip this ingredient!
Expert Chef’s Tips for Perfect Keto Empanadas
- Taming Sticky Keto Dough: It’s common for keto empanada dough, especially one made with almond flour and cheese, to be a bit stickier than traditional doughs. If you find the dough is sticking to your hands or rolling pin when you’re pressing out the discs, there are a few simple solutions. First, try lightly dusting your hands or the work surface with a little extra almond flour. Alternatively, a highly effective method is to press or roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This creates a non-stick barrier, making the dough much easier to handle and shape into perfect discs without any mess. Another trick is to refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before working with it; this allows the fats to solidify slightly, firming up the dough and reducing stickiness.
- Achieving Extra Crispy Keto Empanadas: If you crave an even crispier texture for your keto empanadas, you have a couple of fantastic options. For a rich, golden-brown finish, you can pan-fry them in a neutral, high smoke point oil like avocado oil or a light olive oil. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and crisp. For a lighter, yet equally crispy alternative, consider using your air fryer! Air frying achieves a wonderful crunch with minimal oil. Follow our detailed air fryer empanada method for specific instructions and temperatures to get perfectly crisp results every time.
- Freezing Empanadas for Future Meals: These empanadas are exceptionally freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prep and having delicious low-carb options on hand. To freeze them, prepare the entire recipe as written, including filling and sealing the empanadas, but do not bake them. Instead, arrange the unbaked, sealed empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour or until the empanadas are firm. This “flash freezing” prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer the empanadas to an airtight freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can bake them directly from frozen. Simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time specified in the recipe, or until they are golden brown and heated through, for a super easy and effortless meal!
Why You’ll Love Baking Your Own Keto Empanadas
Beyond being simply low-carb, these keto empanadas bring a host of benefits and pure joy to your kitchen and your plate. If you’re looking for a delicious way to stick to your dietary goals without feeling deprived, this recipe is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making them:
- **Satisfy Cravings Guilt-Free:** Empanadas are a universally loved comfort food. This keto version allows you to indulge in those comforting, savory flavors and flaky textures without the high carb count. It’s the perfect solution for satisfying those deep-seated cravings while maintaining your ketogenic lifestyle.
- **A Fun and Engaging Cooking Project:** While the recipe is straightforward, the process of making the dough, filling, and sealing the empanadas can be a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. It’s a great way to get creative in the kitchen, and even involve family members in the assembly process.
- **Customizable to Your Taste:** The ground beef filling is a fantastic starting point, but the beauty of empanadas lies in their adaptability. You can easily adjust the spices, add different low-carb vegetables, or even experiment with various keto-friendly cheeses in the filling. This ensures that every batch can be tailored exactly to your preference.
- **Perfect for Entertaining:** Impress your guests with these gourmet-looking yet simple-to-make keto empanadas. They make fantastic appetizers for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, and are always a conversation starter, especially when people realize they’re low-carb!
- **Healthy & Wholesome Ingredients:** By making your own, you have full control over the quality of ingredients. You can choose grass-fed beef, organic vegetables, and high-quality cheeses, ensuring that you’re putting the best possible fuel into your body. This homemade approach often means fewer preservatives and artificial ingredients compared to store-bought alternatives.
Delicious Flavor Variations for Your Empanada Filling
While our classic ground beef filling is undeniably delicious, these keto empanadas are incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with different low-carb fillings to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic keto-friendly variations to inspire your next batch:
- **Spicy Chorizo and Cheese:** Brown some crumbled chorizo with a diced onion and a hint of jalapeño for a smoky, spicy kick. Mix with a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- **Creamy Chicken and Spinach:** Cook shredded chicken with sautéed spinach, a touch of cream cheese, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a rich and comforting filling.
- **Pork Carnitas Style:** Use leftover slow-cooked keto pork carnitas, shredded and seasoned, perhaps with a squeeze of lime and some cilantro.
- **Cheesy Mushroom and Onion:** Sauté a medley of mushrooms with caramelized onions (cook until very soft to reduce sharpness), a hint of thyme, and a generous amount of gruyere or provolone cheese for an earthy vegetarian option.
- **Buffalo Chicken:** Shredded cooked chicken mixed with your favorite low-carb buffalo sauce and a touch of cream cheese or blue cheese crumbles for a tangy and spicy treat.
- **Breakfast Empanadas:** Scramble eggs with cooked bacon or sausage, diced bell peppers, and cheddar cheese for a portable breakfast option.
Complementary Serving Suggestions
These savory keto empanadas are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of low-carb side dishes and dips. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- **Fresh Guacamole or Sliced Avocado:** The creamy, rich flavor of avocado is a perfect counterpoint to the savory filling.
- **Low-Carb Salsa:** A fresh, chunky salsa (check for no added sugar) adds a bright and zesty element.
- **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** A dollop of full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt offers a cool and tangy contrast.
- **Keto Hot Sauce:** For those who like an extra kick, a drizzle of your favorite low-carb hot sauce is a must.
- **Simple Green Salad:** A light green salad with a keto-friendly vinaigrette provides freshness and a delightful crunch.
- **Cauliflower Rice:** A side of plain or cilantro-lime cauliflower rice can make this a more substantial meal.
- **Cheesy Keto Queso:** A warm, creamy keto queso dip can turn these into an even more indulgent appetizer experience.
More Delicious Keto Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re enjoying these fantastic keto empanadas and looking for more low-carb inspiration, you’re in luck! We have a wide array of easy and healthy keto-friendly recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your rotation. Explore these other popular dishes:
- Keto Sloppy Joes
- Keto Spaghetti
- Cheesy Keto Green Beans
- Keto Gumbo
- Keto Banana Bread
- Easy Keto French Toast Sticks
We truly hope you loved preparing and enjoying these delicious Baked Keto Empanadas as much as we did! Your feedback helps us create even more fantastic recipes, so please don’t forget to leave us a review below and share your experience. ★ For more healthy and easy meal ideas, be sure to follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too! We love seeing your culinary creations!
Looking for even more incredible recipes to inspire your cooking journey? Make sure to visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons for paleo and whole30 options, and Easy Cheap Recipes for budget-friendly meals that never compromise on flavor.
Baked Keto Empanadas
Cheryl Malik
Print Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Empanada Filling
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ of one yellow onion finely chopped
- ½ of one green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup water
For the Empanada Dough
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups almond flour
- ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for a golden finish
Equipment
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Oven
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper
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Large pan or skillet
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Spatula or large spoon
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Large, microwave-safe bowl
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Silicone spatula or sturdy spoon for mixing dough
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Disher or cookie scoop with release handle (for consistent dough portions)
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Fork (for sealing edges)
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Basting brush (for egg wash)
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This simple step will prevent your empanadas from sticking and make cleanup much easier. Set the prepared sheet aside, ready for your delicious creations.
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In a large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the ground beef to the pan. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or large spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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Once the ground beef is browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add the finely chopped yellow onions and green bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables with the ground beef until they become tender and slightly softened, typically for another 3-5 minutes.
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To the cooked beef and vegetables, add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a desirable consistency. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
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For the dough, place the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the cheeses for 1 minute. After the first minute, stir the softened cheeses well with a silicone spatula, then microwave for an additional minute. The goal is to have the cheeses fully melted and easily blendable into a smooth consistency.
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To the melted cheese mixture, add the two large eggs, almond flour, and xanthan gum. Mix vigorously using your silicone spatula or hands until all ingredients are fully incorporated and a cohesive dough forms. It might be a bit sticky initially, but keep mixing until it comes together as a workable ball.
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Using a disher or a standard cookie scoop with a release handle, scoop the dough into 12 equal portions, forming uniform balls. On a clean, lightly floured surface (using almond flour), flatten each dough ball into a circular disc, aiming for a thickness of approximately ¼-inch. For easier handling, you can press the dough between two pieces of parchment paper.
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Carefully spoon 1 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled savory filling into the center of each dough disc. Be mindful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult and may cause the empanadas to burst during baking. Leave a small border around the edges for sealing.
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Gently fold the top edge of each dough disc over the filling to meet the bottom edge, creating a classic half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with your fingertips, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely. This creates a decorative and effective seal. Place each folded empanada onto your prepared baking sheet and repeat the process until all empanadas are assembled. Finally, lightly brush the tops and sides of the empanadas with the egg wash using a basting brush; this will give them a beautiful golden sheen.
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Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until their crusts are beautifully golden brown and the filling is heated through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Once baked, remove them from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade, perfectly crisp, and savory keto empanadas!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Yellow Onion Considerations: While some strict keto followers prefer to avoid onions due to their carb content, many keto practitioners include them in moderation for flavor. This recipe uses a small amount of yellow onion which adds fantastic depth of flavor. If you are following a very strict keto regimen or prefer to reduce carbs further, you can certainly skip the onion in this recipe, which will save you approximately one carb overall per serving. The empanadas will still be delicious!
- Green Bell Peppers vs. Other Colors: Green bell peppers are generally lower in carbohydrates compared to their red, yellow, and orange counterparts, making them a more keto-friendly choice. They add a fresh, slightly bitter note that balances the rich filling. If you want to shave off another carb or so per serving, you have the option to omit the bell pepper entirely.
- The Best Shredded Cheese for Keto Dough: For optimal results with your keto dough, we highly recommend using a fresh block of whole milk mozzarella and shredding it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can not only add unnecessary carbohydrates but also prevent the cheese from melting smoothly and integrating well into the dough, potentially affecting the final texture of your empanada crust.
- Choosing Your Tomato Paste: When selecting tomato paste, always aim for an organic brand with no added sugar. The only sugars present in the tomato paste should be naturally occurring from the tomatoes themselves. This ensures you keep the carb count as low as possible and avoid hidden sugars in your keto meal.
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 12 perfectly sized keto empanadas. Please note that the actual number of servings you achieve may vary slightly depending on how generously you fill each empanada and your preferred portion sizes.
The nutritional values presented here are provided as general guidelines. They reflect estimated information for one empanada, based on the specific ingredients listed in this recipe. It’s important to understand that actual macronutrient counts (macros) can vary slightly depending on the particular brands of ingredients you use and any minor variations in preparation. For the most precise nutritional information, especially if you have strict dietary requirements, we recommend calculating the macros based on the exact products you use.
To accurately determine the weight of a single serving, first, prepare the recipe precisely as instructed. Once the entire batch is cooked, weigh the finished recipe (excluding the weight of the cooking container). Then, divide the total weight of the cooked empanadas by 12 (or your desired number of servings). The resulting figure will be the precise weight of one individual serving, allowing for accurate portion control and macro tracking.
Nutrition Information
The number of total servings indicated is an approximation based on standard portion sizes. Your actual number of servings will ultimately depend on your preferred individual portion sizes and how you divide the recipe.
The nutritional values displayed are presented as general guidelines for informational purposes only. They reflect an estimate for 1 serving using the precise ingredients listed in this recipe, and do not include any optional ingredients or serving suggestions. Please be aware that actual macronutrient (macro) values may vary slightly based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you choose to use. For those tracking macros diligently, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using your exact ingredients.
To accurately determine the weight of one serving for your specific batch, prepare the recipe precisely as outlined in the instructions. Once the recipe is fully cooked and ready, weigh the entire finished dish (making sure not to include the weight of the container the food is in). Then, divide the total weight of the finished recipe by your desired number of servings. The resulting figure will provide the exact weight of one serving.