Prepare to fall in love with these golden, flaky Beef and Cheese Empanadas! Each bite delivers a delicious balance of perfectly seasoned beef, sautéed onions, melty cheese, and crisp pastry, making them a show-stopping appetizer or hearty snack. What’s truly special about this dish is how it brings a taste of Latin comfort food straight to your table with minimal fuss. Trust me, this Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe is about to become your new go-to for any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Beef and Cheese Empanadas, every ingredient plays a starring role. These simple kitchen staples work magic together, creating flavor-packed filling and a beautiful, toasty crust with very little effort.
- Olive oil: This infuses the beef and onions with richness and helps everything cook evenly.
- Ground beef: The main event! Look for lean ground beef for the just-right balance of hearty flavor without too much grease.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion adds mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic wakes up every savory note in the beef mixture.
- Ground cumin: This earthy spice is a signature flavor in empanadas, bringing authentic warmth to the dish.
- Smoked paprika: Just a little gives a subtle smokiness that makes the beef pop.
- Chili powder: A hint of chili powder adds gentle heat without overpowering the blend.
- Salt: Essential for elevating all the savory flavors in the filling.
- Black pepper: Just enough for a little pep and spice.
- Tomato sauce: Adds juiciness and ties all the beefy flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Choose your favorite or mix both for gooey, cheesy perfection.
- Empanada dough discs: These convenient, ready-to-use rounds save time and bake up beautifully crisp.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top, it ensures your empanadas come out glossy and golden every time.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to set the stage for golden pastries. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, allowing those incredible aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef straight into the skillet with your softened aromatics. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, stirring until there’s no more pink left—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if you need to, so the filling doesn’t get soggy.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in your tomato sauce and give everything a good mix. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough for the flavors to blend and the liquid to reduce a bit. Remove the pan from heat so the mixture can cool off slightly before the cheese joins the party.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Once the beef mixture is warm but not piping hot, fold in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. This way, the cheese won’t completely melt away—you’ll get glorious pockets of gooeyness inside every Beef and Cheese Empanada.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Lay out your empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each disc. Fold the dough in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork, which not only keeps the filling inside but also adds that classic, crimped detail.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your assembled empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not too crowded. Brush the tops with beaten egg to help them bake up beautifully golden and glossy. Pop them into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is perfectly crisp and deliciously browned. Serve your Beef and Cheese Empanadas warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Garnishes
Top your Beef and Cheese Empanadas with a shower of chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herby finish. For a true fiesta, offer a cool bowl of sour cream, pico de gallo, or avocado slices on the side—each adds a pop of color and flavor that makes these empanadas feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your empanadas with a simple leafy green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette to brighten things up. Black beans, rice, or a tangy cabbage slaw are all fantastic options to keep the meal balanced and satisfying while letting the stars of the show shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a build-your-own empanada bar for casual parties: offer a platter of Beef and Cheese Empanadas and bowls of toppings like pickled onions, jalapeños, crema, and different salsas. For an upscale touch, slice each empanada in half and arrange in a fan shape on a platter, garnished with microgreens. They also make an exciting centerpiece for picnics or game day spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Cheese Empanadas keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Place them in a sealed container or wrap tightly in foil, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—making them a ready-to-go snack anytime.
Freezing
Empanadas freeze like a dream! Just let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months for instant comfort food whenever you crave it.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Beef and Cheese Empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through—the crust will crisp back up beautifully. For a quick fix, you can use the microwave, but for the best texture, the oven is definitely worth the few extra minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite melty cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a delicious twist on the classic mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Can I make Beef and Cheese Empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if you’re starting from chilled dough.
Is it possible to bake these empanadas in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry them at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crispy—perfect for smaller batches and an even crispier crust.
What can I use if I don’t have empanada dough discs?
If you can’t find pre-made discs, you can use store-bought pie dough cut into circles, or even make a basic homemade pastry. Just keep it thin for maximum flakiness!
How spicy are these empanadas?
This recipe brings mild heat, but you can easily turn it up by adding more chili powder or tossing in some finely chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes with the beef.
Final Thoughts
There’s true magic in pulling a tray of golden Beef and Cheese Empanadas from the oven—crispy, cheesy, and endlessly comforting. I hope you fall for these the way I have and share them with your favorite people soon. Give this recipe a try for your next get-together, game night, or simply a delicious weeknight treat!
Print
Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying Latin American appetizer. Flaky empanada dough filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
Other:
- 1 (14-ounce) package empanada dough discs, thawed if frozen
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare filling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, then add garlic and cook. Brown ground beef, drain excess fat, then add cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer, remove from heat, and cool slightly. Stir in cheese.
- Assemble empanadas: Spoon filling onto empanada discs. Fold dough over and seal edges with a fork. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or beans for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Empanadas can also be cooked in an air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
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