Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate meaty, cheesy hand pie, these Beef & Cheese Empanadas are here to deliver! Imagine golden, flaky pastry packed with a savory beef filling, layers of gooey melted cheese, and a blend of Latin spices that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you bake them for a party or make a batch for a cozy night in, these empanadas showcase everything great about classic comfort food, all in one irresistibly snackable package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Beef & Cheese Empanadas at home is delightfully fuss-free, and each ingredient truly adds a special touch, whether it’s for depth of flavor, a pop of color, or that all-important crispy pastry. This simple list creates magic!
- Olive oil: Gives the filling richness and helps with sautéing for perfect flavor foundations.
- Ground beef: The centerpiece that brings savory, hearty taste and satisfying texture.
- Onion (½ small, finely chopped): Provides natural sweetness and elevates the beef with aromatic, mellow notes.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a classic, punchy boost that wakes up all the flavors.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Delivers earthy warmth and a signature Latin complexity.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to every bite.
- Chili powder (¼ teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and a hint of zest, perfectly balancing the cheese.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to round out all the savory flavors throughout the filling.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives just the right touch of mild spicy flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Creates a savory “umami” depth and a rich hue in the filling.
- Beef broth (¼ cup): Adds moisture and an extra dose of beefy flavor, ensuring the filling is never dry.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Gives bold flavor and that dreamy melty texture.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup): Offers creamy, mild meltiness that perfectly complements the cheddar.
- Empanada dough discs (1 package or homemade): The golden, flaky vessel that holds it all together (store-bought keeps it quick and fuss-free).
- Egg (1, beaten): Essential for a shiny, appetizing finish on those beautiful baked empanadas.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook them for about three to four minutes, until they turn soft and translucent. Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir, letting the garlic release its fragrance for about a minute. This aromatic base sets the stage for that classic Beef & Cheese Empanadas flavor!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef right into the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s completely browned and no pink remains, savoring how the onions and garlic mix with the juices. This step lays down a savory, hearty foundation for the filling.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Time to shower your beef with all those warming spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t rush this part—let every morsel mingle in the skillet so the flavors bloom. This is where Beef & Cheese Empanadas take on their signature depth!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add tomato paste and beef broth to the pan, stirring well so everything comes together in a rich, cohesive mixture. Let it simmer for three to four minutes until it thickens up a bit—this helps keep the filling from being runny and infuses every bite with robust flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and let everything cool for a few minutes. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The heat will begin to melt the cheese, binding the filling into a creamy, melty dream.
Step 6: Assemble the Empanadas
Lay out your empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Place one to two tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each disc—don’t overfill, or sealing will get tricky! Fold each disc over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to keep all that goodness tucked inside.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Transfer your assembled empanadas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for that gorgeous glossy finish. Slide them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until you see a golden, crispy exterior. Let them cool slightly before serving—they’re tempting, but the filling will be hot!
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take Beef & Cheese Empanadas to the next level. Think a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a scattering of green onions, or even some crumbled queso fresco for extra flair. A squeeze of lime over the top right before serving can brighten up the rich flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your empanadas with sides that enhance their indulgence without overpowering them. A crisp cabbage slaw, a zesty pico de gallo, or a light avocado salad keep the meal fresh. Black beans or a simple rice pilaf also give you that homey, comforting touch—perfect for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Beef & Cheese Empanadas on a big platter for a family-style feast, or wrap them in parchment for individual snacking on the go. For parties, try serving them with a trio of dipping sauces: think classic salsa, creamy chipotle, or a cooling ranch. Edible flowers and colorful napkins can add a playful, festive vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas (lucky you!), just tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making for an easy lunch or speedy snack straight from the fridge or rewarmed in moments.
Freezing
These empanadas are fabulous for freezing—simply assemble them as instructed, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. They’re good for up to two months and can be baked straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat Beef & Cheese Empanadas in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pastry is hot and flaky again. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave will do the trick (about 1–2 minutes on high), though the pastry will be softer. An air fryer is a great option for reheating too—super quick and crisp!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be swapped in for the beef. Just be mindful of fat content and adjust cooking times if needed; you might also want to add a bit more seasoning to keep the flavors bold.
What’s the best way to make homemade empanada dough?
Homemade dough is simply a mix of flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and just enough cold water to bring it together. Chill the dough so it’s easy to roll out and nice and flaky; there are plenty of easy recipes online if you want to go the extra mile!
Can I deep fry these instead of baking?
Yes! Deep frying will make the pastry especially golden and ultra crunchy. Just be sure your oil is at 350°F and fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Are Beef & Cheese Empanadas spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced, with lots of smoky and savory notes rather than intense heat. If you love it spicy, add chopped jalapeños or a touch more chili powder to the filling for an extra kick.
What are some good dipping sauces for serving?
So many sauces work well with Beef & Cheese Empanadas! Classic salsa, creamy avocado dip, smoky chipotle mayo, or a tangy cilantro-lime yogurt are all fantastic choices that pair beautifully with the savory filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about gathering friends or family together and sharing homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas. Every bite bursts with flavor and comfort, and they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
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Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious Latin American appetizer that features a savory ground beef and cheese filling encased in a crispy baked dough. Perfect for parties or as a snack, these empanadas are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup beef broth
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Assembly:
- 1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato paste and broth: Add tomato paste and beef broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine filling: Stir in shredded cheeses.
- Fill empanadas: Place 1–2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling into the center of each empanada disc. Fold over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush tops with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- These are great for freezing—just assemble and freeze before baking.
- You can also deep fry instead of baking for a crispier version.
- Add chopped olives or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
