Beef & Cheese Empanadas

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If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible meal, Beef & Cheese Empanadas are your answer! Picture this: golden, flaky pastry on the outside, with a warm, savory beef and cheese filling inside. These little pockets of deliciousness are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re treating yourself to a comforting meal or impressing your friends at a gathering. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at empanadas the same way again.

Why You’ll Love Beef & Cheese Empanadas

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. From the moment you start prepping to the last bite, these empanadas deliver comfort, flavor, and a touch of warmth. Here’s why they’re a total winner:

Versatile: Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a party appetizer, or as a full meal, these empanadas fit any occasion. They’re the kind of dish that people can’t stop talking about!

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to make these. Most of the ingredients are ones you likely already have on hand, and the flavors they create will make you feel like a gourmet chef. Simple and affordable? Yes, please!

Quick and Easy: These empanadas come together fast, with minimal prep. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll feel confident making these.

Customizable: While this recipe features beef and cheese, you can easily tweak it with your favorite filling! Add some sautéed veggies, spice it up with jalapeños, or swap the beef for chicken or even beans for a vegetarian option.

Crowd-Pleasing: These empanadas are a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re feeding your family or throwing a dinner party, you’ll have happy eaters with these little pockets of joy.

Ingredients

Here’s what makes these Beef & Cheese Empanadas the delicious dish they are:

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Ground beef cooks up juicy and savory, providing the base for a rich, flavorful filling that gets even better when combined with cheese.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy kick to the empanadas, blending perfectly with the seasoned beef.

Onion: A bit of sweetness and a lot of flavor. Sautéed onions are essential for that depth of taste that makes these empanadas so addictive.

Garlic: Because, honestly, what doesn’t taste better with a little garlic? It elevates the flavor of the beef and gives the filling an aromatic punch.

Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder): A mix of spices brings the beef to life. Each spice adds warmth, depth, and just the right amount of heat.

Empanada Dough: The golden, flaky outside that holds everything together. You can make your own, but store-bought dough works just as well when you’re short on time.

Egg (for egg wash): A simple egg wash will give your empanadas that golden, crispy finish we all love.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for perfectly crispy, cheesy empanadas:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the empanadas bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.

2. Cook the Beef Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, season it with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

3. Prepare the Dough: Roll out your empanada dough on a floured surface. Cut it into circles using a round cutter or a cup (about 4-5 inches in diameter). This will form the base of your empanadas.

4. Assemble the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill! Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and pinch the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a pretty touch.

5. Apply the Egg Wash: Brush each empanada with a beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden finish when it bakes.

6. Bake to Perfection: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 empanadas
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas

These empanadas are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides to round out your meal:

Fresh Salads: Pair them with a crisp, green salad for a refreshing contrast to the savory empanadas.

Dipping Sauces: Serve them with a tangy salsa, creamy ranch, or spicy sour cream dip to take the flavor to the next level.

Rice & Beans: For a heartier meal, try serving these empanadas alongside seasoned rice and black beans.

Vegetables: Roasted veggies or a colorful sautéed vegetable mix can complement the richness of the empanadas perfectly.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Beef & Cheese Empanadas are flawless:

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the beef filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. That way, when you’re ready to bake, you just have to assemble the empanadas and pop them in the oven.

Spice It Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! Add a little chili powder for extra heat or a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist.

Freeze for Later: These empanadas freeze beautifully! After baking, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until crispy.

Custom Fillings: While beef and cheese is a classic, you can mix it up by adding sautéed mushrooms, olives, or even shredded chicken for variety.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes, ground turkey works great in this recipe. It will have a lighter flavor but still pairs wonderfully with the spices and cheese.

Q2: Can I make the dough from scratch?
A2: Absolutely! Homemade dough will add a personal touch. Just make sure it’s nice and flaky to get that perfect empanada texture.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Q4: Can I freeze the empanadas before baking?
A4: Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen for a crispy treat anytime!

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A5: Yes! Try adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or corn to give your empanadas an extra pop of flavor and nutrition.

Q6: How do I make the empanadas extra crispy?
A6: For a super crispy finish, spray the empanadas lightly with cooking spray before baking, or bake them on a wire rack for even airflow.

Q7: Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
A7: Yes, you can make the filling and dough ahead of time, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Q8: Can I use puff pastry instead of empanada dough?
A8: Yes, puff pastry will give the empanadas a light, flaky texture, but they’ll be a little more delicate to handle.

Q9: How can I adjust the spice level?
A9: For a milder empanada, skip the chili powder or use a mild paprika. For extra heat, add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’re serving a crowd or want extras for later, just double the ingredients and bake accordingly.

Conclusion

There you have it—delicious, crispy, cheesy Beef & Cheese Empanadas that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen! They’re the perfect balance of savory beef, melty cheese, and golden pastry, making them a crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a fun and easy meal to make, these empanadas are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love (and the recipe) with others!

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Beef & Cheese Empanadas

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These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are golden, flaky pastries stuffed with flavorful ground beef, melted cheese, and savory spices. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: latin

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
  • 1 lb ground beef 🍖
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
  • 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
  • 1 teaspoon cumin 🌿
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
  • Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) 🧀
  • 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade) 🥟
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚

Instructions

  • Prepare the Filling:
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  • Season the Beef:
    Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the beef mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in the shredded cheese.
  • Assemble the Empanadas:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the empanada dough (if using homemade) and cut into circles. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
  • Egg Wash and Bake:
    Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake:
    Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve:
    Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

  • You can use any type of shredded cheese you like, but cheddar and mozzarella are the most common for this recipe.
  • If you want to make the dough from scratch, be sure to make it ahead of time to allow it to rest.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 empanada
  • Calories: 270kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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