Empanadas are one of Argentina’s most beloved culinary treasures—a handheld pastry that combines savory and sweet elements into a perfectly portable dish. In every bite of an empanada, you can expect layers of flavor: tender beef enhanced with warm spices, the saltiness of olives, and a hint of natural sweetness from raisins. Deeply rooted in Argentinian culture, empanadas vary by region, reflecting the diversity of Argentina’s culinary traditions. This “Argentinian Empanada-Inspired Burger” reimagines those classic flavors in a modern, accessible way. It’s the perfect fusion of comfort food in two forms: the burger and the empanada.
The idea behind this recipe was to capture the essence of the classic empanada filling and transplant it into an all-American favorite—the burger. The result is a uniquely flavorful marriage between Argentina and the global burger phenomenon. While empanadas typically involve a dough wrapper encasing a spiced filling, this recipe takes the filling’s iconic ingredients—juicy beef, onion, garlic, olives, raisins, and spices—and incorporates them directly into a beef patty for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Add to this a lightly toasted bun, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, and you’ve created a meal that’s both familiar and delightfully unexpected.
One of the key features of empanadas is their balance of savory and subtle sweetness, an element that sets them apart from other meat-filled pastries. This recipe doesn’t stray from that heritage. The inclusion of raisins introduces pockets of natural sweetness that balance the robust flavors of spiced beef and briny olives. Cumin and paprika provide warm, smoky undertones that evoke the aroma of traditional empanadas fresh out of the oven. It’s a flavor profile that makes the burger an exciting detour from your routine.
Beyond its mouthwatering flavor, this dish pays homage to the versatility and ingenuity of Argentinian cuisine. Empanadas were historically designed as portable meals for workers on the go, their filling adaptable to whatever ingredients were on hand. Similarly, this burger combines creativity with practicality—it’s easy to assemble, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, and just as satisfying as its pastry counterpart. Plus, the option to add a dollop of chimichurri sauce ties it all back to Argentina, giving the burger a herby kick that complements its bold, dynamic flavors.
The Argentinian Empanada-Inspired Burger is also an invitation to explore Argentina’s culinary traditions in a casual and approachable way. Whether you serve it with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or chimichurri-marinated vegetables, every bite is a journey to Argentina’s vibrant food culture. It’s a reminder of how food can transcend borders and inspire new creations while staying rooted in tradition.
If you’re looking for a fun way to bring global flavors to your kitchen, this burger is a great place to start. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a story of how two iconic dishes, separated by continents, can come together to form something entirely new yet undeniably comforting.
Argentinian Empanada-Inspired Burger
Ingredients
Burger Filling
- 500 grams ground beef preferably grass-fed for rich flavor
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup green olives chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Assembly
- 4 pieces burger buns preferably brioche or sourdough
- 1 bunch fresh lettuce washed and leaves separated
- 2 medium heirloom tomatoes sliced
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or any mild cheese of choice
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent and aromatic.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned.
- Mix in olives, raisins, cumin, and paprika, stirring everything together to integrate the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Shape the cooled mixture into four equal-sized patties.
- Heat a grill or a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty, allowing it to melt.
- Toast the burger buns lightly on the grill or in a skillet.
- Assemble the burgers by placing a leafy lettuce layer on the bottom bun, followed by the cheesy patty. Top with tomato slices, then cover with the other half of the bun.