If you have a craving for a dish that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with melty, gooey cheese, you are going to adore this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. These delightful Latin American hand pies are the perfect comfort food to make any day feel special. Crispy golden dough envelopes a luscious filling of seasoned ground beef mingled with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, creating a harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo treat, these empanadas bring warmth, heartiness, and a touch of excitement that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a key role to bring out the signature flavor and character of these empanadas. From the aromatic spices that give depth to the meat filling to the golden dough that crisps to perfection, every element is essential and easy to find.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the beef filling evenly while bringing out the flavors.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): The hearty base of the filling, providing that savory meaty goodness.
- Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped): Brings sweetness and a slight crunch to balance the meat.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that elevates the overall filling flavor.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Contributes earthy, smoky notes typical of Latin American dishes.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the filling a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Chili powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle spicy kick to keep things exciting.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Brings moisture and mild tanginess that blends everything beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): The gooey, melty cheese that makes every bite irresistible.
- Empanada dough discs or pie dough rounds: The crispy, golden exterior that holds all the delicious filling inside.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used as an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish after baking.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Adding garlic next infuses the mixture with an inviting aroma. Next, crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to build layers of bold flavor. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer the mixture briefly — this helps all the spices meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Cheese with the Filling
After removing the skillet from heat, let the beef mixture cool just enough so it’s safe to handle without melting the cheese prematurely. Then, fold in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, ensuring each empanada will be delightfully cheesy and gooey in every bite. This cheesy element lifts the filling to another level of indulgence.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Place a generous two tablespoons of the cooled beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each dough disc. Carefully fold each round in half to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges together firmly. Using a fork, crimp the edges to seal the empanadas fully. This step is important to make sure none of that delicious filling escapes while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange your empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to encourage a glossy, golden crust. Bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they puff up slightly and turn beautifully golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow them to rest just a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the filling thicken slightly.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
These empanadas are a blank canvas for some wonderful garnishes. A dollop of sour cream adds a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced filling, while a spoonful of fresh salsa brings brightness and acidity. Creamy guacamole also pairs perfectly, giving a luscious, buttery feel that complements the beef and cheese wonderfully.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving these empanadas alongside a simple fresh salad with a zingy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for added texture and color. For a heartier spread, black beans or Spanish rice will take your meal to the next level, embracing the Latin American roots of this delicious recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the empanadas on a colorful platter lined with leafy greens for a festive touch. You might add small bowls of various dipping sauces such as chimichurri, tzatziki, or even a spicy aioli for guests to customize their bites. Pairing with a refreshing drink like a cold margarita or a tangy cerveza completes the experience beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any empanadas leftover, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicious flavors and textures for quick snacks or meals later in the week.
Freezing
This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe freezes exceptionally well. For best results, assemble the empanadas but don’t bake them. Place them on a tray lined with parchment in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake them straight from frozen; just add an extra 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy while warming the cheesy beef filling just right. Avoid using a microwave if you want to retain that wonderful crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy touch, mozzarella for a milder melt, or even a bit of queso fresco for authentic flair.
Is it possible to make empanada dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade dough can add a lovely homemade touch. You can use basic pie dough or make traditional empanada dough using flour, salt, butter, and cold water. Just make sure to roll it to about 5-inch rounds for easy filling and folding.
How spicy is this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
This recipe has a gentle warmth thanks to the chili powder, but it’s not overpowering. You can dial up the heat by adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese as a spicier option.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
You sure can! Ground turkey or chicken will work well if you prefer a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times as needed and consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost flavor.
What makes empanadas different from regular pies or turnovers?
Empanadas are smaller, handheld pastries often filled with savory ingredients and baked or fried. Their dough tends to be thinner and more tender, designed to encase fillings like meats, cheeses, or vegetables for easy eating on the go.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing these Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. They are a fantastic way to bring homemade comfort food to your table with a touch of Latin American flair. Whether you’re pulling them from the oven for a casual weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, they always bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Now that you know how easy and rewarding these empanadas are, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making them yourself—you might just have found your new favorite dish!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
These savory Beef & Cheese Empanadas feature a flavorful ground beef filling seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, combined with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, all encased in a flaky baked dough. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these empanadas are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade pie dough cut into 5-inch rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Cheese: Once the beef mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese evenly.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork to seal the empanadas tightly.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish once baked. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for extra flavor.
- You can freeze assembled, unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months; bake them straight from frozen and add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar or Monterey Jack.
