Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are savory hand pies filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced ground beef and melted cheese, all encased in a crispy baked pastry shell. Perfect for a party appetizer or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 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 refrigerated empanada dough rounds (or store-bought pie dough cut into 5-inch circles)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, sauté onion until soft, add garlic, then brown ground beef. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, simmer until thickened, then mix in cheese.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Place filling on dough rounds, fold over, seal edges with a fork, brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Let cool briefly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- You can freeze unbaked empanadas and bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
