Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe
Sink your teeth into these golden-crusted Cheesy Beef Empanadas, where every bite delivers savory beef, gooey cheese, and a rush of home-baked comfort. Whether you’re after a sizzling appetizer to impress guests, or a weeknight dinner that wows the family, this recipe is a surefire hit. With a blend of classic spices and crowd-pleasing cheeses tucked into flaky pastry, Cheesy Beef Empanadas are as irresistible as they are easy to whip up—plus, they’re perfect for making ahead or freezing for future cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to empanada greatness. Each one packs its own punch of flavor, texture, or color. The beauty of this dish lies in how these simple essentials come together to create layers of comfort and crave-worthy taste.
- Olive oil: Offers a subtle richness and helps soften the onions, coaxing out their natural sweetness.
- Ground beef: The star filling, providing hearty flavor and satisfying substance in every bite.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds aromatic complexity and a slight crunch that rounds out the filling.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the beef with a fragrant note that makes every empanada more inviting.
- Ground cumin: Brings a touch of earthiness and warmth, a classic in many Latin-inspired dishes.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a hint of smokiness and vibrant color, deepening the flavor profile.
- Chili powder: Adds gentle heat without overwhelming spicy notes—just the right kick.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and balances the savory filling.
- Black pepper: A dash of sharpness that sharpens all the surrounding flavors.
- Tomato sauce: Binds the filling with just enough moisture, adding tang and hue.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic melty goodness that brings creamy, bold flavor.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and mild, it teams up with cheddar for the ultimate cheese pull.
- Empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade): The flaky vessel that crisps up beautifully for that iconic empanada shell.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives a sun-kissed golden finish to the tops with glossy appeal.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s piping hot and ready for action. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—a simple move that makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees your empanadas won’t stick. This quick prep ensures you get the best possible crisp on your Cheesy Beef Empanadas.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the onions and let them soften for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next comes the minced garlic—just thirty seconds in the pan will fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma that lets you know you’re building bold flavor foundations.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture
Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon so it cooks evenly. Stir often while it browns and fully cooks through, bringing out the meaty, umami-rich character that defines Cheesy Beef Empanadas. Now it’s time for the seasonings: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper join the party, powering up each bite with warm, deep notes. Pour in the tomato sauce and let the whole mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes—it should thicken slightly but stay juicy.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the beef mixture cool for a few moments—just enough so the cheeses won’t melt instantly. Stir in both the cheddar and Monterey Jack, watching them mingle with the beef. This is where the magic happens: every spoonful turns creamy and irresistible, perfect for stuffing into empanada dough.
Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas
Lay out your empanada dough discs, and place a spoonful of the cheesy beef filling in the center of each. Fold each disc over into a neat half-moon, then press the edges gently together. For a signature look and perfect seal, crimp the edges with the tines of a fork—no filling escapes, all the goodness stays tucked inside.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the assembled Cheesy Beef Empanadas on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with beaten egg, ensuring every inch gets a glossy coat. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the empanadas turn crisp and beautifully golden. Let them cool slightly before serving to avoid molten-hot cheese surprises!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Garnishes
Bring extra flair to your Cheesy Beef Empanadas with something fresh and colorful. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, snip some chives, or scatter sliced green onions on top for a burst of flavor and an irresistible look. A lime wedge on the side not only adds a cool pop of color but gives a bright squeeze of tartness that balances the cheesy richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Complement your empanadas with sides that let them shine. Salsa, sour cream, and chunky guacamole make classic dips for dunking each warm, flaky bite. For a fuller meal, pair them with a fresh tomato salad, zesty corn salsa, or a pile of crisp tortilla chips—these sides round out the dish without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn Cheesy Beef Empanadas into a party centerpiece, arrange them in a circular pattern on a rustic board, fanning them out like golden rays and filling the center with dipping sauces. For a lunchbox or picnic, wrap each empanada in parchment and tuck them into baskets lined with colorful napkins—the ultimate grab-and-go snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Beef Empanadas taste fantastic even after a day or two in the fridge. Simply let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper so they stay crisp instead of soggy. Enjoy within 3 days for the best bite.
Freezing
One of the best things about these empanadas is how freezer-friendly they are. You can assemble them up until the baking step, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When cravings hit, just bake straight from frozen—add 5–7 extra minutes to the time, and you’re set!
Reheating
To recapture that irresistible crisp, reheat Cheesy Beef Empanadas in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it tends to soften the pastry; the oven keeps things flaky and warm all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Main Course
Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative if that suits your taste or dietary preferences. Just keep the seasoning and cheese ratios the same for that signature flavor.
What if I can’t find empanada dough discs?
No worries—store-bought pie crust or even puff pastry will work in a pinch. Roll it out and cut into circles about 5 inches across. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get delicious results.
Do Cheesy Beef Empanadas have to be baked, or can I fry them?
While this recipe calls for baking for a lighter, crisp finish, you can certainly deep-fry them if you want that classic street-food crunch. Just keep the oil at 350°F and fry until golden brown!
Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, Cheesy Beef Empanadas are perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Or freeze them unbaked for longer storage—so handy!
What cheese substitutes can I use?
Feel free to get creative—pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend will complement the beef flavor beautifully. Just be sure to pick cheeses that melt well for that signature ooze.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the secret behind perfectly crisp, irresistibly gooey Cheesy Beef Empanadas, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing this savory classic to your table. Give this recipe a go—you’ll love the combination of hearty beef, melty cheese, and golden pastry in every bite. Happy baking, and enjoy sharing these with friends and family!
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Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Beef Empanadas are a delicious Latin American treat perfect for any occasion. Flaky pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, baked until golden brown. Serve as an appetizer or a main course with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Other:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated empanada dough discs or homemade pastry dough
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook onion, add garlic, then brown ground beef. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Stir in cheeses.
- Fill Empanadas: Spoon filling onto empanada discs, fold, and seal edges. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Arrange empanadas on baking sheet, bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
- You can freeze unbaked empanadas and bake directly from frozen—add 5–7 extra minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
