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
Scale
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
