If you are searching for a crowd-pleaser that is both hearty and comforting, this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. These golden pockets of joy combine seasoned ground beef with melted cheese, wrapped in a flaky pie crust that bakes to perfection. Each bite delivers a wonderful contrast of textures and a balance of savory spices that feel like a warm hug. Whether for a family dinner, party appetizer, or casual snack, these empanadas never disappoint and are surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential to nailing this dish. Each component plays an important role—whether it’s the spices that bring depth to the beef filling or the pie crust that gives the empanada its signature crispness and flaky texture.
- Ground beef: The star protein that gives rich flavor and a satisfying bite to the empanadas.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the aromatics.
- Onion: Adds a wonderful sweetness and moisture that enhances the beef filling.
- Garlic: Infuses the mixture with a fragrant savory punch.
- Cumin: Provides a warm earthiness that is essential for authentic flavor.
- Paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- Chili powder: Gives a gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning staples that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Shredded cheese: A melty, gooey contrast—cheddar or mozzarella both work wonderfully.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Convenient and flaky, these form the perfect empanada dough.
- Egg: Beaten egg acts as an egg wash to give the empanadas a gorgeous golden finish.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Cooking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures a hot environment for baking your empanadas into golden perfection. Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper for an easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Beef
Warm up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant, which usually takes a few minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your filling. Then, introduce the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Allow it to brown fully, developing a rich, savory taste that’s key for this recipe.
Step 3: Season the Filling
Add in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, allowing the filling to develop its signature warm, layered flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly so you don’t melt the cheese prematurely during assembly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll your refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a small bowl, cut out even circles from the dough. This will create the perfect empanada shapes for filling and folding. The uniformity helps with even baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle, then top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for that irresistible gooey center. Fold the pie crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, then crimp with a fork to seal each empanada tightly. This keeps all the delicious filling secure during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Transfer the assembled empanadas carefully onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush each empanada with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake. Place them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and nicely browned.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, allow your Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe treats to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm when the cheese is deliciously melted and the beef remains juicy!
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your empanadas, consider serving them with freshly chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A dollop of tangy sour cream or a drizzle of spicy salsa also pairs beautifully to complement the rich filling.
Side Dishes
These empanadas shine when accompanied by a crisp green salad or a simple tomato and avocado salad. The freshness balances the richness, while a side of black beans or rice can turn your meal into a more substantial feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Arrange your empanadas on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like chimichurri, guacamole, or chipotle mayo. Garnish the platter with lime wedges to add a zesty kick for an inviting and festive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This method helps keep their shape intact. Freeze for up to one month, and bake them directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover empanadas in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that flaky crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist, Monterey Jack for meltiness, or even a crumbled cheese like queso fresco for a more authentic touch. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
Is it possible to make empanadas dough from scratch?
Yes, you can certainly make your own dough if you prefer! Homemade dough can be more tender or flaky depending on the recipe you follow, but refrigerated pie crusts are a convenient and reliable shortcut that saves time.
Can these empanadas be made vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, beans, or seasoned vegetables. Adding cheese keeps that creamy texture and rich flavor you want in each bite.
How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges well by pressing firmly and crimping with a fork. Also, avoid overfilling the empanadas so there’s enough dough to fold and seal properly. Using the egg wash helps glue the edges shut too.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe servings?
The best way to reheat these empanadas is in the oven or toaster oven. This keeps the crust crisp without drying out the filling, unlike the microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you want to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and delight your family or guests, this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple, flavorful, and full of heartwarming comfort that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a go and watch these golden pockets disappear fast—the smiles afterward are guaranteed!
Print
Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are delicious handheld pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine a savory filling with a flaky baked crust, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Dough and Topping
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the empanadas.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat until hot.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they become softened and fragrant.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to evenly season the beef.
- Cool filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly to avoid melting the crust when assembling.
- Prepare dough: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Cut dough circles: Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or small bowl to cut out circles from the pie crusts for empanada shells.
- Add filling: Place a spoonful of the cooled beef mixture in the center of each dough circle.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef filling for a gooey texture.
- Shape empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, enclosing the filling completely.
- Seal edges: Press the edges with a fork to crimp and seal the empanadas so the filling doesn’t leak during baking.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the prepared empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops of each empanada with beaten egg to give a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Let them cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade beef and cheese empanadas!
Notes
- You can substitute or blend the cheese types as preferred – cheddar, mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend work well.
- Refrigerated pie crusts save time but homemade dough can be used for a flakier texture.
- The empanadas can be frozen before baking; just increase bake time slightly when cooking from frozen.
- Adjust chili powder or add jalapeño for more heat if desired.
- Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
