Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
If you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe absolutely belongs in your kitchen lineup. These flaky handheld pastries are stuffed with a warmly spiced beef filling and oozy cheddar, making them a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself. The aroma as they bake is simply intoxicating, and every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that prove why this dish is a cherished favorite around the world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s true magic in the simplicity of these ingredients. Every single item in the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe brings something important to the table—whether it’s deep flavor, a pop of color, or that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and garlic, setting the stage for rich flavor in the filling.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory protein that becomes perfectly seasoned and juicy.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and subtle bite in every mouthful.
- Garlic: Just two cloves bring warmth and aromatic complexity to the filling.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the filling with that classic, earthy depth you expect in empanadas.
- Paprika: Offers mild smokiness and gorgeous color, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
- Chili powder: A touch of gentle heat that harmonizes the spices without overwhelming them.
- Salt and pepper: The essential duo for seasoning everything just right.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the beef, giving every bite its trademark creamy, cheesy pull.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: These ready-made crusts keep preparation quick while still yielding beautifully flaky pastry.
- Egg (for egg wash): When brushed on top, this gives the empanadas a shiny, golden, bakery-style finish.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this little trick ensures your empanadas don’t stick and guarantees easy cleanup. While the oven heats, you can move onto the filling, knowing your empanadas will crisp up perfectly when the time comes.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmery, toss in your chopped onions and let them cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them softened and translucent, but not browned—this brings out their sweetness and sets a lovely flavor base.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
When the onions are just right, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for another minute until it’s fragrant, constantly stirring so it doesn’t burn. Your kitchen will already smell incredible—don’t skip this quick but vital step!
Step 4: Brown the Beef and Season
Turn up the heat slightly and crumble the ground beef into your skillet. Break it apart with your spatula, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle over the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly and let it cook until the beef is deeply browned, fully cooked through, and beautifully aromatic.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat, then add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts all the way in, binding the beef together with gooey, irresistible strings of cheddar. This step is the secret behind that legendary, cheesy pull when you bite into the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe.
Step 6: Prepare and Cut the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts to smooth any creases. Use a 4-inch round cutter (or even a drinking glass) to stamp out dough circles. They should be thick enough to hold the filling, but not so thick that they overwhelm it.
Step 7: Fill and Fold the Empanadas
Spoon a modest amount of the prepared beef and cheese filling into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill—overflowing empanadas are much harder to seal and can leak during baking. Less is more here!
Step 8: Seal the Edges
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together gently, then crimp using the tines of a fork to create a tight seal (and those classic decorative ridges). You want them securely closed to hold in all that delicious goodness.
Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash
Arrange the empanadas on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This simple step ensures your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe comes out of the oven glistening and beautifully golden brown.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye out—they’re ready when the crust is crisp, golden, and flaky, and the whole kitchen is filled with mouthwatering smells. The wait will be worth it!
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Let the empanadas cool just slightly before serving. This lets the melted cheese settle in so each bite holds together beautifully. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate comforting treat!
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Add some flair to your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe with flavorful garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley offers a bright pop of color and freshness. For a creamy finishing touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Sliced jalapeños or diced avocado make great additions if you like a little extra kick or creaminess.
Side Dishes
Empanadas shine even brighter when paired with the right sides. Try serving them with a zesty tomato salsa, fresh corn salad, or a crisp green salad tossed in citrusy vinaigrette. Black beans and rice are classic complements, too, turning this snack into a hearty meal that keeps everyone satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider piling the empanadas on a rustic wooden board alongside a rainbow of dipping sauces—chimichurri, garlic aioli, or spicy chipotle mayo all work wonders. You can also arrange them in a circle, flower-style, for a striking centerpiece. Or, tuck individual empanadas into parchment pockets for a grab-and-go snack at picnics or tailgates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The crust will soften a bit, but reheating will bring back some of that wonderful crispness.
Freezing
Empanadas are incredibly freezer-friendly! After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or impromptu gatherings.
Reheating
For best results, reheat empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and re-crisped. Microwaving works too, though you’ll lose a bit of crunch—just heat for 30–45 seconds and enjoy right away!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe, you can swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend to mix things up. Make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that luscious texture.
Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
Yes—prepare and fill the empanadas, then store them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You can even freeze them unbaked, then bake straight from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the bake time).
Is there a way to make them spicier?
For more kick, add minced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef filling. A spicy cheese, like pepper jack, or some hot sauce in the filling can also turn up the heat to your liking.
Can I make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey?
Definitely! Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef. Just know that poultry is a leaner protein, so you may want to add a splash of extra olive oil and check the seasoning to keep the filling rich and flavorful.
What’s the best way to seal the empanadas?
A fork-press along the edges works perfectly, creating both a tight seal and a pretty decorative pattern. For extra insurance, you can lightly dab the edges with water or beaten egg before pressing to help the dough bond together.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how wildly delicious and simple this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for a movie night, picnic, or weeknight dinner, these homemade empanadas are sure to earn rave reviews from everyone around your table. Bring a little homemade magic to your next meal—you won’t regret it!
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Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes 12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Beef & Cheese Empanadas. Flaky pie crusts filled with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheddar cheese make for a perfect snack or meal!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Empanadas:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté Onion: In a skillet, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until softened.
- Add Flavors: Add garlic, ground beef, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
- Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Prepare Crusts: Roll out pie crusts and cut into circles.
- Fill Dough: Spoon beef mixture onto dough circles.
- Seal Empanadas: Fold dough over filling, press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush with Egg: Brush empanadas with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can customize the seasoning to your preference, adding herbs or spices.
- These empanadas can be frozen before baking for a convenient make-ahead option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Beef Cheese Empanadas, Empanada Recipe, Homemade Empanadas
