If you’ve ever craved a delicious handheld snack that’s bursting with rich flavors and cheesy goodness, then this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is just for you. These golden pockets of joy combine savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey melted cheese wrapped in flaky, baked dough that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re serving them for a hearty snack, an appetizer at a get-together, or a casual meal, these empanadas offer the perfect blend of comfort and excitement that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. Each component plays a unique role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together in perfect harmony.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the ingredients to perfection.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base, providing rich, meaty flavor and substance.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and moisture to balance the beef.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Gives the filling an earthy, slightly smoky undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a gentle peppery note without heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Key for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Melts beautifully inside for creamy, gooey indulgence.
- 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade): The golden wrapper that holds all the filling together with a tender, flaky texture.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates that irresistible glossy, golden finish when baked.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Beef Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes around 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef turns a lovely browned color and is fully cooked through. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy—this step makes a big difference in the final texture.
Step 2: Seasoning and Adding Cheese
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the cumin, paprika, as well as salt and pepper to taste. These spices aren’t just decoration; they bring a warm, aromatic punch that really elevates the filling. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheese; this prevents the cheese from melting prematurely and lets it stay delightfully melted within each empanada.
Step 3: Preparing the Dough and Filling Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to get ready for baking. Roll out your empanada dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles, which will be the little tents for our filling. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each circle. Then fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape, and press the edges together firmly. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal them well—this not only looks charming but ensures nothing leaks out during baking.
Step 4: Egg Wash for a Perfect Finish
Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg. This simple step is a game changer because it gives the pockets a shiny, golden crust that looks as good as it tastes. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Step 5: Baking the Empanadas
Bake the empanadas in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that perfect golden brown color and crispy texture. When they come out, the smell alone is enough to get everyone at the table excited to dig in.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve the empanadas warm, ideally with your favorite dipping sauces for extra flair. Each bite will offer a wonderful combination of savory beef, melty cheese, and flaky dough—a real celebration of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe by adding refreshing garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy chimichurri sauce can add a fresh, flavorful contrast that brightens the rich filling.
Side Dishes
Pair your empanadas with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a zesty black bean salad. These options add balance to the meal and keep it feeling light, making your empanadas shine as the star of the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the empanadas on a wooden board alongside small bowls of assorted dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or spicy aioli. You can also create a festive platter by adding sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and colorful radish for an inviting look that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover empanadas, no worries—they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy crust.
Freezing
These empanadas freeze beautifully! After assembling but before baking, arrange them on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the empanadas in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10-12 minutes. This refreshes the flaky dough and melts the cheese inside perfectly without turning soggy, unlike a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little spice, or even crumbled queso fresco for a more authentic Latin flair. Just pick a cheese that melts well for that gooey center.
Is it necessary to use store-bought empanada dough?
Not at all. Store-bought dough saves time, but homemade dough adds extra homemade charm and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own dough from scratch can be a rewarding experience and allows you to control the ingredients.
Can these empanadas be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for your favorite sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or black beans. Add the same spices and cheese to keep that irresistible filling texture and flavor.
What dipping sauces pair best with Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Salsa, chimichurri, guacamole, or even a spicy aioli pair beautifully. The key is to choose sauces that complement the savory and cheesy filling with either some freshness, heat, or creaminess.
How do I get the empanada edges to seal properly?
Make sure to moisten the edges of the dough with a little water before folding. Press the dough firmly together and then crimp with a fork for a secure seal that prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves and create something deliciously satisfying in your kitchen. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a versatile recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and joy to any meal. Once you taste these golden pockets filled with savory beef and melty cheese, I bet this will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are delicious handheld pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden brown crisp, they make a tasty appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Mix in the shredded cheese thoroughly.
- Prepare Dough and Assemble Empanadas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the empanada dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles of desired size. Spoon a portion of the beef and cheese filling onto each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each empanada with the beaten egg to help them attain a shiny and golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Empanadas: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Enjoy the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute the beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add chopped bell peppers or olives to the filling for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have empanada dough, puff pastry or pie dough can be used as alternatives.
- For a crisper crust, bake on a preheated baking stone if available.
- Leftover empanadas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
