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.
