Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
If you’re searching for a show-stopping appetizer or snack, look no further than Beef and Cheese Empanadas. These golden, flaky handheld pies are a celebration of savory ground beef, melty cheddar, and tangy olives, all wrapped in a perfectly crisp crust. Whether you’re hosting a lively get-together or craving a cozy treat, Beef and Cheese Empanadas deliver comfort, flavor, and fun in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Cheese Empanadas is in their simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one brings something essential: richness, spice, umami, or crunch. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why every component matters for the magic inside these golden parcels.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the onion and garlic for a softer, aromatic filling.
- Onion: Gives depth, sweetness, and a gentle bite to the beef mixture.
- Garlic: Provides unmistakable savory flavor and warmth.
- Ground beef: The heart of the empanada, offering a juicy, savory filling.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy complexity and that classic Latin-inspired flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat and robust depth to the filling.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and ties the spices together.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and bite.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates sweet and savory notes while adding a lovely rich color.
- Beef broth: Keeps the filling moist and deliciously meaty.
- Green olives: Chopped for pops of briny flavor that brighten every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating irresistible cheesy pockets.
- Refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough discs: Convenient, easy to use, and bake into a golden, flaky crust.
- Large egg (plus a splash of water): Makes a shiny, beautifully browned exterior that’s impossible to resist.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then cook for about three minutes until soft and fragrant. This gentle sauté is what builds the aromatic base for your empanadas, infusing every bite with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to your skillet, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s deliciously browned and no longer pink. The browning brings out the meat’s full savory flavor, making this filling unbelievably rich.
Step 3: Spice it Up
Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every bit of beef is covered in spices. Feel free to take a moment to inhale all the warm, mouthwatering scents rising from your pan!
Step 4: Add Depth and Simmer
Spoon in the tomato paste and pour in the beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about five minutes. The mixture should thicken and become luscious, with every ingredient mingling beautifully. This step locks in moisture and amplifies flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Olives and Cheese
Take the pan off the heat and fold in the chopped green olives and shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese should melt just a bit from the heat, binding the filling together and giving you little gooey pockets of joy throughout each empanada.
Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your dough discs need rolling out, do that now. Place about two tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture right in the center of each disc, then fold over to form a neat half-moon. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges—this not only looks charming but keeps all those tasty fillings inside where they belong.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Arrange the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with your egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until gloriously browned and crisp. Let them cool just a touch, and get ready for serious deliciousness.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a little dollop of sour cream can make your Beef and Cheese Empanadas look and taste extra special. For a colorful twist, try scattering finely diced red onions or fresh jalapeño rings right over the top just before serving. Each garnish adds freshness and contrast to the warm, cheesy filling.
Side Dishes
Pair your Beef and Cheese Empanadas with a simple salad of crisp romaine, avocado, and tomatoes, tossed in a lime vinaigrette. They’re also fantastic alongside a zesty corn salad, creamy black beans, or a bright mango salsa. If you’re making a party platter, offer them with little dipping bowls of chimichurri or mild salsa for crowd-pleasing variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Set out your empanadas in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin for a casual gathering, or place them upright, “soldier style,” on a slate board for a stunning centerpiece. For parties, stick mini flags or decorative picks in each empanada, or serve them on skewers for easy, festive finger food. Beef and Cheese Empanadas never fail to impress, no matter how you serve them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply let the empanadas cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, maintaining their satisfying crunch and bold flavors.
Freezing
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are freezer-friendly! Freeze either assembled (but unbaked) or fully baked; just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months and are perfect for last-minute snacks or party emergencies.
Reheating
To revive their golden crispiness, reheat chilled or frozen Beef and Cheese Empanadas in a 375°F oven or air fryer for several minutes until warmed through and the crust is crackling once again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but baking is the way to go for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Snack
Absolutely! Monterey Jack or mozzarella work beautifully, or you can try a blend for extra melty fun. Just choose a cheese that melts well and you can’t go wrong.
Is it okay to use homemade empanada dough instead of store-bought?
Yes! If you love making dough from scratch, go for it. Homemade dough adds a more personal touch and gives you even more control over flavor and texture.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Certainly. Diced bell peppers, corn, or even diced potatoes make delicious additions. Just be sure not to overload, so the filling stays well-balanced and easy to fold up.
Are Beef and Cheese Empanadas spicy?
They’re mildly spiced as written, but you can crank up the heat with extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you’re bold! Or tone it down for a more kid-friendly batch.
Can I air-fry these instead of baking?
Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the empanadas for about 12 minutes, checking for that perfect golden-brown finish. The air fryer is a great option for a slightly crispier crust.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try Beef and Cheese Empanadas in your own kitchen. There’s nothing like seeing a tray of these hand pies disappear at parties or hearing the satisfying crunch with every bite at home. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy all the comfort and flavor tucked inside that golden crust!
Print
Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious Latin American appetizer or snack. Filled with seasoned ground beef, olives, and cheddar cheese, these baked empanadas are packed with flavor and perfect for parties or a tasty meal.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other:
- 2 packages refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough discs (about 20 discs)
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground beef, brown it, then season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Flavors: Stir in tomato paste and beef broth, simmer until thickened. Mix in olives and cheese.
- Prepare Empanadas: Preheat oven, place filling on dough discs, fold into half-moon shapes, seal edges, brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake empanadas until golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers to the filling.
- Air-frying option: Cook at 375°F for approximately 12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
