Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with bold flavors and gooey cheese in every bite with this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. These golden, hand-held pastries are stuffed with a savory ground beef filling, kissed by spices and melty cheese, then baked to perfection. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just need a delicious snack, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to disappear quickly. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment or chef-level skills—just everyday ingredients and an appetite for something delightful!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of cheese, you can whip up irresistibly tasty empanadas. Each ingredient here pulls its weight, whether it’s packing in flavor, adding color, or creating that crispy shell. These essentials ensure your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe turns out perfect every time.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions as the flavor base.
- Finely diced onion: Brings sweetness and subtle depth to the filling.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic punch and a hint of sharpness that mingles beautifully with the beef.
- Ground beef: The star of the show—it supplies hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- Ground cumin: Lends a warm, earthy note that gives the filling its Latin American flair.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and vibrant color you’ll notice in every bite.
- Chili powder: Just enough to add a subtle kick without overwhelming the palate.
- Salt: Essential to draw out and enhance all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Balances with its peppery bite and rounds out the seasoning.
- Tomato sauce: Keeps the filling moist and brings a touch of tangy brightness.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into pockets of deliciousness, making each bite gooey and irresistible.
- Empanada dough rounds (store-bought or homemade): The vessel that turns these into perfect portable hand pies.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top for an unbeatable golden, shiny finish.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and sauté until the pieces turn soft and translucent, about 3 minutes—this step builds the foundation of savory flavor. Add in your minced garlic, stirring just 1 minute until fragrant. Then, crumble the ground beef straight into the pan and break it apart as it browns. Once the beef has no more pink left, drain off any excess fat to keep your filling hearty and not greasy. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, along with salt and black pepper. Mix in the tomato sauce and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The aromas will make your kitchen feel like the happiest place on earth! Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then gently stir in the shredded cheese so it begins to melt.
Step 2: Fill and Shape the Empanadas
Lay out your empanada dough rounds on a clean surface. Place about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each round—don’t overfill, or you might have trouble sealing them! Fold each round in half to form half-moons, then press the edges together with a fork to seal tightly. This not only keeps the yummy filling inside but also gives those classic ridged edges we all love.
Step 3: Add the Egg Wash
Arrange your stuffed empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a little space between each. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops with beaten egg. This is the secret to getting that beautiful golden shine and an extra tender crust when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375°F oven and bake your empanadas for 20 to 25 minutes. When the crusts are puffed and deep golden brown, they’re ready! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid any hot-filling surprises.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe pop, serve them with sprigs of fresh cilantro, lime wedges for squeezing, or a sprinkle of diced green onions on top. These simple touches brighten up the rich, savory filling and add a lovely burst of color to your platter.
Side Dishes
These empanadas pair beautifully with so many sides! Try them with a fresh green salad, a scoop of black beans and rice, or a vibrant pico de gallo. Of course, bowls of salsa, chimichurri, or creamy sour cream on the side for dipping are absolute musts to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the empanadas on a board with little dipping bowls nestled in between. Or, serve them tapas-style at a party, cut in half and arranged upright. Small flags or colorful toothpicks make them easy to grab and add a touch of festive flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—just let them cool completely before refrigerating to keep the crust crisp.
Freezing
These empanadas are freezer-friendly and perfect for planning ahead! Assemble and seal the unbaked empanadas, then layer them with parchment paper in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, just adding 5 to 7 minutes to the usual baking time for that perfect golden finish.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. For a quick fix, they’ll warm up in the microwave too, but the oven is the best way to bring back that flaky, tender crust without any sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of meat in this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles all work beautifully—just follow the same steps for prepping the filling and seasoning to your taste.
What if I don’t have empanada dough rounds?
No worries! Store-bought pie crust or puff pastry will do the trick in a pinch. Cut them into circles about 5 inches in diameter and proceed just as you would with traditional empanada dough.
How do I keep the empanadas from opening during baking?
Make sure to firmly seal the edges with a fork and avoid overfilling. For extra security, you can lightly moisten the edge of the dough with water or egg before pressing together and crimping.
Can I make the filling for the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe in advance?
Yes! Prepare the beef and cheese filling up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just let it cool completely before assembling your empanadas for best results.
What are some fun extras to add to the filling?
You can tuck in sautéed bell peppers, chopped olives, even a little corn or black beans for extra flavor and texture. Customize your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to suit your craving or the season!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe as I am to share it! It’s a delicious way to bring everyone together, and once you see how easy and fun they are, you’ll find endless reasons to put them on your table. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious fusion of Latin American flavors, featuring a savory beef and cheese filling encased in a crispy baked dough. Perfect as a main course or appetizer, these hand pies are sure to impress with their rich and comforting taste.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
For assembly:
- 1 package (10-count) empanada dough rounds (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer briefly, then let cool slightly and mix in the cheese.
- Assemble the empanadas: Place beef mixture onto empanada dough rounds, fold over, and seal edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Arrange empanadas on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking and baked straight from frozen (add 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time).
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri on the side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
