Elk Empanadas

Elk Empanadas are so simple and easy to make! You’ll be an empanada pro in no time at all using refrigerated pie crust paired with the elk meat and cheese to create quite the flavorful bites. Get ready to have a new favorite elk recipe – this is just that good!

I’m always looking for a simple dinner to whip up with the meats that we have in the freezer. Once I realized that elk was perfect for empanadas, it was history from there. This simple elk dinner recipe proves that you don’t have to make anything complicated to create amazing flavor.

Ingredients needed for Elk Empanadas

• 1 lb ground elk
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 ½  tsp ground cumin
• 1 ½  tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp pepper
• ¼  tsp crushed red peppers
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• ½  cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½  cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 boxes of refrigerated pie crust
• 1 egg

How to make Elk Empanadas

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground elk, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until no longer pink. 
3. Add the cumin, salt, cajun seasoning, pepper, crushed red peppers, and chili powder to the skillet and mix to combine. 
4. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet, stir to combine, and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 
5. In a bowl, combine both of the shredded cheeses. 
6. Unroll both pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out eight 4-inch circles (use a 4-inch bowl as a guide, if preferred). 
7. To start assembling the empanadas, work one circle of dough at a time. Add a small amount of shredded cheese mixture, and about a 1/4 cup of meat mixture.
8. Wet the outer edge of the dough with water, then fold the dough over. Then, using a fork, press and seal the edges. Place onto a lined baking sheet. Continue the process for all eight empanadas.
9. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and one tablespoon of water together. Using a basting brush, brush the egg wash over the top of each empanada. 
10. Bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
11. Remove and serve immediately.

Recipe FAQs and Notes

What is usually in an empanada?

Typically an empanada will have some sort of meat, tucked inside the dough. Which is totally what we have here.

Is it better to fry or bake empanadas?

I prefer baking because it’s a lighter texture and is less greasy. The pie crust also tends to be flakier, too.

What are empanadas called in English?

Some people will also refer to this as a stuffed pastry, and others may even call it a calzone.

Recipe notes

• Change up the flavor easily by changing up the types of cheese that you use. This is a simple trick that really enhances the flavor.
• Swap in ground venison, if preferred.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other Elk recipes

• Elk Ragu
• Elk Chili Recipe
• Elk Cheeseburger Pull-Apart Bread

Elk Empanadas Recipe