If you have a special place in your heart for comforting, flavorful snacks that bring people together, then you are absolutely going to adore this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. Imagine flaky golden crusts encasing a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef melted with gooey cheddar cheese. Each bite is a joyful explosion of spices and creamy texture that warms you from the inside out. These empanadas are not only delicious but incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or simply treating yourself on a cozy night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these tasty empanadas is all about using a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table — from the tender beef and aromatic spices to the melty cheddar and flaky pie crust. Having all these on hand really sets you up for success and ensures every empanada comes out bursting with flavor and just the right texture.
- Olive oil: This adds a rich base for sautéing and a subtle fruity note.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein foundation of the filling, flavorful and satisfying.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the whole filling.
- Ground cumin: Provides warm earthiness essential to traditional empanada taste.
- Paprika: Adds smoky undertones and vibrant color.
- Chili powder: Introduces a gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that awaken all the flavors perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and creamy, it creates that irresistible stringy texture inside.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: The secret to quick, flaky dough without any fuss.
- Egg (beaten): Used for the egg wash, it gives the empanadas a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking those empanadas into perfectly golden pockets of joy. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this little step prevents sticking and guarantees even baking without any mess.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This stage is where the foundation of flavor builds — don’t rush it! Add minced garlic next and stir for just about a minute until you smell its wonderful fragrance filling the kitchen.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Add Spices
Time to introduce the ground beef to your skillet. Break it up with a spatula and let it brown nicely for even cooking. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. These spices create that signature rich and slightly smoky flavor that makes this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe truly unforgettable. Keep stirring until the beef is cooked through and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch how it melts and binds with the beef mixture, adding creamy richness that will make every bite ecstatic. This gooey blend is what dreams are made of when it comes to empanada fillings.
Step 5: Shape the Empanadas
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the refrigerated pie crusts just a bit if needed. With a 4-inch round cutter, cut circles out of the dough for the empanada bases. Spoon a generous but not overflowing amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto each circle.
Step 6: Seal and Finish the Empanadas
Fold each dough circle over the filling to form half-moons. Press down edges firmly with a fork to seal in all that deliciousness — this keeps your filling inside where it belongs during baking. Finally, brush the tops with beaten egg for that irresistible golden and shiny crust appearance.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Set your empanadas on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a gorgeous golden-brown color and a crisp exterior. Let them cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth, but trust me: these warm pockets of goodness are worth the wait.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over your empanadas for a pop of color and a fresh bite. A dollop of sour cream or a side of tangy salsa also pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors while adding a cool contrast to the warm filling.
Side Dishes
Serve these delightful empanadas alongside a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or even a light rice dish. Each option complements the rich and hearty nature of the empanadas, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s as colorful as it is tasty.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe on a platter garnished with lime wedges and sliced avocado to invite guests to customize their bites. They also pair wonderfully alongside a chilled beverage like a citrusy lemonade or a chilled beer for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes them perfect for quick snacks or reheated meals without losing their great taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This way, you’ll have ready-to-go treats anytime the craving hits.
Reheating
Reheat your empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy crust and warm filling. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it might soften the dough and make it less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is wonderful for its meltiness and tang, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to add more personality to your empanadas.
How spicy is this empanada filling?
This recipe offers a mild to moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and paprika — you can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it if you prefer no heat at all.
Can I make the dough from scratch instead of using pie crust?
Definitely! Homemade empanada dough adds an extra special touch. If you have time, making your own dough allows you to control thickness and flavor, but refrigerated pie crusts are a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice texture.
How do I avoid soggy empanadas?
Make sure not to overfill the empanadas and seal them properly with a fork to prevent leaks. Also, baking on parchment paper and giving them some space on the baking sheet helps keep the crust nice and crisp.
Are these empanadas suitable for freezing after baking?
While you can freeze baked empanadas, the texture might slightly soften once reheated. For best results, freeze them before baking, so you keep that freshly baked crispiness once cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is truly a keeper and one that I find myself reaching for again and again when I want something both comforting and exciting. With its wonderfully simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for cooks of any skill level. I can’t wait for you to try making these — your family and friends will thank you for the warm, cheesy love wrapped inside every golden pastry.
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and savory handheld treat, featuring seasoned ground beef blended with melted cheddar cheese, all encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a crowd-pleasing meal, they offer a crispy golden exterior with a rich, flavorful filling.
Ingredients
Beef 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
Dough & Finishing
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
- Cook Beef and Spice: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Mix in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined with the beef mixture.
- Prepare Dough Circles: On a floured surface, roll out refrigerated pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut into circles.
- Fill Empanadas: Place a spoonful of beef and cheese mixture in center of each dough circle, taking care not to overfill.
- Seal Empanadas: Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal tightly.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush tops of empanadas with beaten egg to ensure a golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place empanadas on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let empanadas cool slightly before serving warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure not to overfill the empanadas to prevent leaking during baking.
- Refrigerate pie crusts until ready to use to ensure easy handling and flaky crust.
- Customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers or olives for extra flavor.
- These empanadas can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- For a spicier version, increase chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
