If you are searching for a delicious snack or meal that combines savory flavors with a golden, crispy crust, then this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is going to be your new favorite. These handheld pockets are bursting with seasoned ground beef and gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust that bakes to perfection. Whether you’re craving a comforting appetizer or an easy dinner option, these empanadas manage to deliver bold taste and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making these empanadas truly outstanding. From the rich ground beef to the sharp cheddar cheese, every element adds a layer of flavor or texture that brings this dish to life.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the onions and garlic for a flavorful base.
- Ground beef: The hearty core of the filling, providing protein and a savory depth.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Offers sweetness and moisture, making the filling tender and aromatic.
- Garlic, minced: Boosts flavor with its pungent, zesty kick.
- Ground cumin: Introduces warm, earthy undertones essential for authentic taste.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and vibrant color to the meat mixture.
- Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of heat to elevate the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances all the other spices and ingredients.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts irresistibly into the beef, creating a creamy, savory filling.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Provide the buttery, flaky dough that encases the filling perfectly.
- Egg, beaten: Used as an egg wash to give the empanadas a beautiful golden crust when baked.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your empanadas bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them gently until they soften and become translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant, releasing all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Seasonings
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet along with the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to break the beef into small pieces and cook until thoroughly browned. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich, cheesy filling that’s ready to be spooned into the dough.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough Circles
Lightly flour your workspace and unroll the pie crusts. Using a round cutter or a cup, cut the crust into 4-inch circles. These rounds will become the perfect little pockets for your delicious filling.
Step 5: Fill and Seal Your Empanadas
Place a generous spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal them tightly. Proper sealing is key to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Arrange the sealed empanadas on your lined baking sheet. Brush each one with the beaten egg to give them a gorgeous golden finish when baked. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crusts are beautifully browned and crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your empanadas cool just a bit so the filling sets and you don’t burn your mouth. Then it’s time to dig in and savor every cheesy, flavorful bite!
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley on top adds a fresh contrast to the rich filling. You can also drizzle some tangy sour cream or a zesty salsa roja for that extra pop of flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese.
Side Dishes
These empanadas are fantastic served alongside a crisp green salad, tangy pickled vegetables, or a light avocado and tomato salad. The fresh sides balance the hearty empanadas perfectly, making each meal satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe with colorful dipping sauces like chimichurri, guacamole, or chipotle mayo. Pairing with a refreshing beverage such as a cold beer or a fruity sangria can turn this simple dish into a festive experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently to keep the crust crispy and the filling warm, making for an easy next-day snack or meal.
Freezing
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the empanadas but do not bake them yet. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes added to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat empanadas, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crisp crust. Microwaving is faster but can make the crust soggy, so oven reheating is the best choice to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar melts wonderfully and adds great flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist on classic Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe.
Is it possible to make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the filling a day in advance not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld even deeper. Simply store the cooked filling in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Can I make empanadas gluten-free?
You certainly can by swapping the regular pie crusts for gluten-free pie dough. Just ensure you pick a dough that holds up well when baking to keep that crisp, golden crust everyone loves.
How spicy are these empanadas?
The recipe includes chili powder and paprika, which add a mild, warm heat—not overwhelming but flavorful. You can adjust the spices to suit your preferred spice level, making the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe as mild or as bold as you like.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Serve the empanadas warm on a platter with several dipping sauces to please different tastes. Adding colorful garnishes and sides will also make your presentation eye-catching and inviting for guests.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, these empanadas are sure to become a beloved staple. Go ahead, give it a try and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
Delicious homemade beef and cheese empanadas featuring a savory ground beef filling seasoned with cumin, paprika, and chili powder, combined with melted cheddar cheese inside flaky pie crusts. These empanadas are baked to golden perfection, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dough and Assembly
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the beef filling: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces, until fully browned. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the mixture.
- Prepare the dough circles: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts to smooth any creases and cut them into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a small bowl.
- Assemble the empanadas: Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together, sealing them tightly using the tines of a fork.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden glossy finish when baked. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to let the filling set and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack for varied flavor.
- For a crispier crust, chill the empanadas in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
