Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Are you ready to dig into something crispy, savory, and oh-so-delicious? These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the perfect combination of tender ground beef, melted cheese, and a golden, flaky crust that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine biting into a warm, golden pocket filled with a perfectly seasoned beef filling that has just the right amount of cheesy goodness. Trust me, these empanadas are going to be your new go-to for a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. The best part? You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to make them!

Why You’ll Love Beef & Cheese Empanadas

This recipe isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about bringing joy to the table. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, entertaining friends, or just craving something comforting, these empanadas are always a hit. Here’s why:

• Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a weekend snack. You can even make a batch ahead of time and have them on hand whenever hunger strikes.
• Budget-Friendly: These empanadas use everyday ingredients, yet deliver such incredible flavor. They’re a great way to create something special without breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you’ll be able to whip these up with ease. From prepping to baking, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and practically foolproof.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Swap in different cheeses, add some heat with jalapeños, or throw in a handful of veggies. The options are endless.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s game day or a family gathering, these empanadas are always a hit. Everyone will be asking for more—guaranteed!

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind these Beef & Cheese Empanadas—it’s all in the perfect balance of simple ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering filling wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Ground Beef

The star of the show! Lean ground beef becomes tender and juicy as it absorbs all the delicious spices. It’s what gives the empanadas that hearty, satisfying flavor.

Cheese

Sharp cheddar or mozzarella? You choose! The cheese adds richness and gooey goodness that perfectly complements the savory beef filling.

Onion

A little bit of sautéed onion gives the filling that extra burst of flavor and depth. It’s sweet, savory, and a perfect match for the beef.

Garlic

A couple of cloves of garlic bring that aromatic punch that makes everything taste better.

Spices

Cumin, paprika, and chili powder give these empanadas a warm, smoky, and mildly spicy kick. It’s just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.

Dough

Store-bought or homemade empanada dough—either works great! The dough is what wraps everything up into that beautiful, golden, crispy package. It’s perfectly flaky and holds all the flavors inside.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These empanadas come together quickly, and the aroma while they bake is absolutely irresistible. Here’s how you do it:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your empanadas cook evenly and get that perfect golden color.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a little oil until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the spices—cumin, paprika, chili powder—and season with salt and pepper. Let the beef cook in the spices for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Add the Cheese

Once the beef is done, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheese. The heat from the beef will melt it into the mixture, creating a cheesy, savory filling.

Assemble the Empanadas

Lay your empanada dough on a flat surface. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal them tightly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Bake to Perfection

Place the sealed empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with a little bit of egg wash (egg mixed with a bit of water) for that perfect golden color. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Take the empanadas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, maybe with a side of salsa or sour cream for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas

These empanadas are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Salsa: Pair with fresh salsa for a tangy, flavorful dip.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the spices.
• Guacamole: The richness of guacamole is the perfect match for these savory empanadas.
• Fresh Salad: Serve with a side of crisp salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy empanadas.
• Rice: For a more filling meal, pair with seasoned rice or a simple Spanish rice.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your empanadas even better:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time, then assemble and bake the empanadas when you’re ready. This makes for an easy, stress-free dinner!
• Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked empanadas and bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great way to have a homemade snack on hand whenever you need it.
• Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
• Dough Alternatives: If you’re short on time, use pre-made puff pastry or crescent roll dough for an even quicker version!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef would work great. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to suit the meat.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the empanadas and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when you’re craving something delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze the empanadas?
A3: Yes, freeze the assembled but unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How can I make these spicier?
A4: Add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or drizzle with hot sauce for that spicy kick.

Q5: Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?
A5: Yes, baking works perfectly! In fact, it’s a healthier option. Just make sure to brush them with egg wash before baking to get that golden, crispy finish.

Q6: How long will these empanadas last?
A6: They’ll stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

Q7: What can I serve with these empanadas?
A7: A fresh salad, guacamole, or a side of Spanish rice are perfect companions for these tasty bites.

Q8: Can I use store-bought dough?
A8: Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough or puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy.

Q9: Can I make these vegetarian?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the beef with black beans, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative for a veggie-friendly version.

Q10: Can I reheat leftovers?
A10: Yes! Reheat in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get that crispiness back. You can also microwave them, but the crust won’t be as crispy.

Conclusion

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are an absolute game-changer. They’re crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe will not disappoint. Ready to dive in? You won’t regret it!

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