Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that’s as satisfying as it is comforting, Beef and Cheese Empanadas are sure to win you over. Picture a golden, flaky pastry shell giving way to perfectly seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese — pure bliss in every bite! This crowd-pleasing hand pie is equal parts hearty and fun, making it ideal for game days, dinner parties, or cozy family nights. The best part? It’s much easier to pull together than you’d think, yet packs a punch of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Once you try Beef and Cheese Empanadas, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef and Cheese Empanadas come together with easy-to-find, everyday ingredients, each chosen to deliver incredible taste, texture, and color. Don’t skip a single one — every element plays its part in creating those irresistible pockets of goodness!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the onion and beef cook evenly for a flavorful base.
- Ground beef: Brings juiciness and heartiness to each empanada, making them perfectly satisfying.
- Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and depth, essential for the beef filling’s aromatic flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the filling with a bold, savory aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- Ground cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertones that anchor the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika: Lends smokiness and a gentle kick, boosting the overall complexity.
- Chili powder: Delivers a hint of heat that pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors — a little goes a long way!
- Black pepper: Adds sharpness and balances out the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Tomato sauce: Keeps the filling juicy and brings a subtle tang to round out the spices.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, tying the whole filling together.
- Refrigerated pie crusts or empanada dough: Convenient and reliably flaky — the perfect vessel for your filling.
- Egg: Brushed over the top for that enticing, golden sheen and crisp finish.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your empanadas are assembled. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté diced yellow onion for 3–4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and turn a bit translucent — this step lays down so much of the flavor foundation for your Beef and Cheese Empanadas!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the softened onions and cook until it’s browned and crumbly. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks for the perfect bite-sized texture. As soon as most of the pink disappears, you know your filling has gained a beautiful richness that only a good sear can provide.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let those fragrant spices toast for a minute, then pour in the tomato sauce. Simmer the mixture for 2–3 minutes until it thickens up — you want it juicy but not runny, so every bite of your Beef and Cheese Empanadas is packed but never soggy!
Step 4: Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and the filling is cohesive. This is where that luscious, creamy element takes the filling to the next level and brings all the flavors together.
Step 5: Prep the Empanada Dough
If using pie crusts, roll them out on a lightly floured surface and cut into 4- to 5-inch rounds. This size is perfect for snacking or appetizers, plus it makes filling and folding the empanadas a breeze.
Step 6: Fill and Shape
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over, forming a half-moon shape, and press the edges with a fork to seal securely. This classic crimp not only looks charming — it keeps all that wonderful filling inside!
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Arrange the shaped empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg for that signature glossy, golden finish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crusts are deeply golden and crisp. Let them cool just slightly before digging in — the filling will be piping hot and oozy!
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Garnishes
You can brighten up your Beef and Cheese Empanadas by sprinkling them with fresh chopped cilantro, a drizzle of sour cream, or a few sliced jalapeños for extra zing. Even a handful of diced tomatoes adds a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Empanadas are delicious all on their own, but they shine even brighter alongside simple sides. Try them with salsa or guacamole for dunking, or serve next to a crisp green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. If you’re feeding a crowd, rice and beans or roasted corn make hearty partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Beef and Cheese Empanadas the star of a platter by serving them on a wooden board with colorful dips, scattered lime wedges, and a bowl of pickled veggies. Or, stack them in a basket lined with parchment for a fun, grab-and-go party snack — perfect for outdoor gatherings or game nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few extra Beef and Cheese Empanadas (lucky you!), let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days and make an excellent grab-and-go lunch or snack.
Freezing
Empanadas freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Whenever you crave one, pop it in the oven straight from the freezer — it’s like having a homemade treat ready at all times.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Beef and Cheese Empanadas in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp (about 10 minutes). Avoid the microwave if you want that flaky crust to stay delicious — trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough instead of empanada dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crusts are perfectly suitable and result in a tasty, flaky pastry. If you have access to empanada rounds, use those for an extra-tender and slightly chewy finish, but pie crusts will work in a pinch.
Can Beef and Cheese Empanadas be fried instead of baked?
Yes, they can be fried for a crunchier, richer crust. Heat oil in a skillet and fry each empanada until golden on both sides. Just be sure to seal the edges really well so none of the cheesy filling escapes!
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics because they melt smoothly and add just the right amount of flavor. Feel free to mix in a bit of mozzarella for extra gooeyness or use pepper jack for a spicy twist on your Beef and Cheese Empanadas.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Sure! Simply replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based alternative, or try a seasoned blend of sautéed mushrooms and black beans. They’ll soak up all the delicious spices just as well as beef!
What’s the best dipping sauce for Beef and Cheese Empanadas?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a spicy aioli are all fantastic choices. Choose your favorite or serve a variety for everyone to mix and match flavors!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing freshly baked Beef and Cheese Empanadas with friends or family. Whether you’re mastering them for the first time or making them for the hundredth, they never fail to bring a smile. Give them a try — and get ready for requests for the recipe to start rolling in!
Print
Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delightful Latin-American appetizer featuring a savory beef and cheese filling enclosed in a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts or empanada dough (10–12 rounds)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion. Add beef, garlic, spices, and tomato sauce. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Prepare empanadas: Roll out dough, cut into rounds, place filling, fold, and seal. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use puff pastry for a flakier texture or add chopped olives or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
