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
Scale
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.
