"Empanada" - Spanish Meat Pie(Family Size)
A savory Spanish meat pie packed with seasoned sausage, bacon, vegetables, olives, and eggs, perfect for family gatherings and hearty appetites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 2 lb Italian hot sausage, bulk ⓘ
- 3 green sweet peppers, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large Spanish onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 can pitted black olives, sliced ⓘ
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, coarsely grated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 2 packages bread dough ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg
- 10 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a deep skillet, sauté sausage and bacon until cooked on low heat.
- Do not burn or crisp the bacon.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a large mixing bowl, saving the juice and oil from the meat.
- In the same skillet, add peppers, onion, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes. Cook on low until peppers and onions are soft.
- Transfer the cooked vegetables to the mixing bowl with the meat using a slotted spoon.
- Add black pepper, salt, Parmesan cheese, and eggs; mix well.
- Roll out bread dough and fill with the meat mixture.
- Seal the empanadas and brush with beaten egg.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the vegetable mixture while cooking. If you're short on time, pre-made pie crusts can be used instead of bread dough. You can also substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of beans and additional vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve empanadas warm with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving them alongside creamy cheese and bacon spread. A chilled glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, helping to maintain their crispy texture. You can also freeze uncooked empanadas for up to two months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Empanada" - Spanish Meat Pie(Family Size) contains roughly 645 calories, with 27g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1551mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make empanadas in advance?
Yes, you can prepare empanadas ahead of time. Assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked empanadas for up to two months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use if I don't have black olives?
If you don't have black olives, green olives or even sun-dried tomatoes can be good substitutes, adding a different flavor profile to the filling. You can also omit them entirely if preferred or replace them with capers for a briny kick.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling with additional ingredients like corn, zucchini, or even cheese. Leftover meats or roasted vegetables can also be great additions, allowing you to use what you have on hand and create a unique flavor experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).