Indulge in the savory delight of Cheesy Beef Empanadas! These golden-brown pastries are filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese, making them perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
1 egg, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
- Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into 12 equal squares.
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each square and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 12 empanadas. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 45-50 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils.
- Cheese Varieties: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Herb Additions: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose their crispiness.
10 FAQs
- Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. - What dipping sauces pair well with empanadas?
Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole are excellent choices. - Can I freeze empanadas before baking?
Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. - What can I use instead of pizza dough?
You can use puff pastry or homemade dough if desired. - How do I know when the empanadas are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. - Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day before assembling the empanadas. - Are empanadas healthy?
While they are indulgent, you can make them healthier by using lean meat and adding more vegetables. - Can I bake empanadas without an egg wash?
Yes, the egg wash adds color and shine, but they can be baked without it. - How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to crimp the edges securely and avoid overfilling each empanada. - What sides go well with empanadas?
A fresh salad or coleslaw complements empanadas nicely.
Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings a burst of flavor in every bite. Easy to make and customizable, they’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a tasty snack. Enjoy these delightful pastries warm, paired with your favorite sauces, for a true crowd-pleaser!
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Cheesy Beef Empanadas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Savory pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
1 egg, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat; drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell peppers; cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Unroll pizza dough and cut into 12 squares.
- Place a spoonful of beef mixture and cheddar cheese in the center of each square.
- Fold dough over filling to form a triangle; crimp edges with a fork.
- Brush empanadas with beaten egg.
- Bake on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- Customize with additional spices or veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican/Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg