These are not your abuela’s empanadas unless she made them vegan and served them with dessert wearing stilettos and sass.
We’re talking flaky golden pastry wrapped around plant-based “beef” so good, you’ll forget cows exist—bless.
Then comes the ganache—rich, bold, dripping mocha drama. Yes, you can have empanadas and chocolate too.
This dish hits savory cravings and sweet teeth with zero guilt and max fabulous.
Serve it hot, eat it smug, and strut back into your day.
Beef Empanadas with Coffee Ganache
Flaky baked vegan empanadas filled with seasoned plant-based beef, paired with velvety coffee-infused chocolate ganache for dipping or drizzling.
Ingredients
For the Vegan “Beef” Empanadas:
- 2 cups meatless crumbles or seasoned lentils
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package vegan puff pastry sheets thawed
- Plant milk for brushing
For the Coffee Ganache:
- ¾ cup dark vegan chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
Make the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
- Stir in crumbles, paprika, cumin, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Cook 5 minutes.
- Cut pastry sheets into circles (4-6 inches wide).
- Spoon filling onto one half.
- Fold and press edges with a fork.
- Brush with plant milk.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and slightly smug-looking.
Make the Coffee Ganache:
- Heat coconut milk until just simmering.
- Stir in chocolate, espresso powder, syrup, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth, glossy, and dangerous.
- Let it cool slightly for dipping or drizzle on warm empanadas.
Notes
📊 Nutritional Values (Per Empanada with Ganache)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
💪 Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 18%
- Calcium: 12%
- Magnesium: 14%
- Vitamin B6: 10%
- Folate: 11%
💡 Additional Notes & Tips
- Want spice? Add a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
- Leftover ganache? Pour it over ice cream, toast, or directly into your mouth.
- Serve with a bold red wine or cold brew—depending on how extra you feel.
- Freeze unbaked empanadas for future goddess moments.
- Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for bonus flair.
