Description

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and hearty snack or appetizer featuring a savory ground beef filling blended with melted cheese, all encased in a crispy, golden baked dough. Perfectly spiced with cumin and paprika, these empanadas are easy to prepare and bake to perfection, offering a satisfying warm treat ideal for parties, gatherings, or a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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)

For the Dough

1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)

For Finishing

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Sauté Onion and Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Season and Mix Filling: Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. Once cooled, mix in the shredded cheese evenly.
Prepare Empanada Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the empanada dough on a clean surface and cut it into circles of your preferred size for empanadas.
Fill and Shape Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serve: Enjoy the empanadas warm, optionally paired with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

You can substitute shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese depending on your preference.
If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper along with the cumin and paprika.
Ensure the filling is slightly cooled before filling the dough to avoid sogginess.
Empanada dough can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Use a fork to tightly seal the edges to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.
These empanadas can be frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Latin American