If you’re craving a comforting snack or a delightful party treat, this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. Imagine golden, flaky pockets bursting with savory ground beef seasoned just right and gooey melted cheddar cheese—each bite brings warm spices and creamy indulgence together in pure harmony. These empanadas are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying, delivering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe couldn’t be easier. Each item plays a vital role in bringing out the dish’s hearty flavor, delightful aroma, and irresistible texture.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and beef to a rich, savory base.
- Ground beef: The star protein that adds meaty richness to every bite.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire filling.
- Ground cumin: Gives warmth and earthiness typical of traditional empanada seasoning.
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.
- Chili powder: Offers a mild kick, keeping the flavor exciting but balanced.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to creamy, gooey goodness inside the empanada.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Provide the flaky, buttery casing that’s easy and quick to work with.
- Egg (beaten): Creates that irresistible golden crust after baking.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper is a small but crucial step—this prevents any sticking and ensures your empanadas cook evenly, coming out perfectly crisp every time.
Step 2: Sauté Onions to Sweet, Tender Perfection
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step not only adds sweetness but also builds the flavor base for the filling.
Step 3: Introduce Garlic for Aroma and Depth
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute. Be careful not to let it burn—the garlicky fragrance will bring an inviting warmth to your filling without overpowering it.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef and Add Spices
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. This spiced, juicy meat mixture is the heart of your empanadas.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Once the beef is off the heat, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Its gooey texture balances the savory beef perfectly, creating a rich, creamy filling that will ooze delightfully when you bite in.
Step 6: Prepare the Pie Crusts
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles to form the empanada shells. This step is quick and makes assembling these empanadas a breeze.
Step 7: Assemble Your Empanadas
Add a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling to the center of each dough circle. Be cautious not to overfill since that can make sealing tricky. Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to create a tight seal—this helps keep that delicious filling inside.
Step 8: Apply Egg Wash for a Golden Finish
Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. This simple touch ensures that your empanadas bake to a perfect golden-brown with a lovely shine—that visual appeal is part of the joy when sharing them with friends or family.
Step 9: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Arrange the empanadas on your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden brown and crispy outer crust. Your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 10: Cool Slightly Before Digging In
Allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes once out of the oven. This lets the filling settle just enough so it doesn’t burn your mouth, yet keeps them warm and inviting for the perfect first bite.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates your empanadas beautifully. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of tangy sour cream complements the savory filling perfectly and adds a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these empanadas with a crisp green salad or a zesty tomato salsa. The contrast of fresh, crunchy veggies with the warm, cheesy empanadas creates a well-rounded meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the empanadas in a basket lined with colorful napkins at a casual gathering or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of dipping sauces. Presentation makes sharing this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe all the more exciting and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover empanadas keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them, and you’ll have a satisfying snack or quick meal ready in minutes.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, unbaked empanadas by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat empanadas in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it softens the pastry too much.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar provides great flavor and meltiness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack to suit your taste.
Is it possible to make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the beef and cheese filling can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This makes assembly quick and easy when you’re ready to bake.
Can I make empanadas gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the refrigerated pie crusts for a gluten-free dough of your preference. Just ensure the dough is sturdy enough to hold the filling without cracking.
How spicy is this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
The spice level is mild and approachable thanks to just a touch of chili powder. You can increase or decrease the amount based on your preference.
Can these empanadas be baked instead of fried?
Yes, this recipe is designed for baking which produces a lighter, flakier crust and is easier to prepare, though frying is a tasty alternative if you prefer a crispier texture.
Final Thoughts
This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is guaranteed to become a quick favorite for its ease, incredible flavor, and versatility. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, snack, or party appetizer, these golden pockets of joy bring hearty satisfaction every single time. Give it a try—you’ll be thanking yourself for this delicious addition to your recipe collection!
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 deliciously savory pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp, they make a great snack, appetizer, or meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all.
Ingredients
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 & Finish
- 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, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Beef & Season: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the beef is well-seasoned. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Combine Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well combined with the beef mixture.
- Prepare Dough Circles: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut the dough into circles.
- Fill Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
- Seal Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down along the edges, sealing the empanadas tightly.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!
Notes
- Do not overfill the empanadas to avoid difficulty in sealing and potential leakage during baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped green chilies or jalapeños to the filling mixture.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking; freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Serve with a side of salsa or sour cream for extra flavor.
