There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a freshly baked hand pie bursting with savory goodness, and this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe hits all the right notes. Imagine flaky, golden pastry hugged around a filling of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a perfect blend of aromatic spices. These Latin-inspired treats are ideal as appetizers or snacks, but they also hold their own as a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether it’s the rich, meaty filling or the crispy crust that draws you in, making these empanadas at home will quickly become one of your favorite culinary adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these Beef & Cheese Empanadas is wonderfully straightforward thanks to a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from building the rich flavor profile to ensuring the dough bakes up crisp and golden every time.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing the onions and beef, adding a subtle fruity note and preventing sticking.
- 1/2 lb ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed star of our filling, bringing savory depth and richness.
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and texture that balances the meat’s earthiness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic undertones that awaken every bite.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin: Offers a smoky, slightly nutty spice essential to Latin flavors.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Gives a mild heat and a gorgeous red color that brightens the filling visually and in taste.
- 1/4 tsp chili powder: Introduces just enough kick for a subtle bite without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors, seasoning the filling perfectly.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Brings moisture and a slight tang, helping meld all the spices together smoothly.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of richness that make each bite irresistible.
- 1 package empanada dough discs: Or homemade pie dough cut into 5-inch circles for that tender, flaky crust.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Gives the empanadas a beautiful golden sheen and crisp finish when baked.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onions and let them soften and sweeten, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic alongside the ground beef, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly. Once the beef is no longer pink and has developed a nice caramelized richness, drain any excess fat if needed to keep things from feeling greasy. Next, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well so every morsel is coated in those warm spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens just right. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheese while the filling is still warm, but not so hot that it melts the dough when assembled.
Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a dough disc on your workspace and spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling right in the center. Fold the disc over to create a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly together. Crimping the edges with a fork not only seals everything inside but also adds that classic empanada look. Once all your hand pies are filled and sealed, brush their tops with beaten egg to achieve a stunning golden color during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared empanadas on the baking sheet, making sure they have enough space to bake evenly. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and the dough feels crisp to the touch. Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving so the filling sets just enough to enjoy without any spills.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe, consider adding fresh garnishes that complement the rich, savory filling. A sprinkle of finely chopped cilantro or a pinch of smoked paprika on top can brighten up the presentation. A dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole also adds refreshing contrast and luscious texture.
Side Dishes
These empanadas pair wonderfully with zesty sides like tangy salsa or vibrant chimichurri sauce that offer a punch of herbaceous flavor and acidity. If you’re planning a more substantial meal, a crisp, fresh salad with lime vinaigrette or a simple black bean and corn salad rounds everything out beautifully without overshadowing the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve these hand pies on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of different dips so everyone can customize their bites. For casual gatherings, stack the empanadas in a basket lined with colorful napkins. You could even turn them into party appetizers by cutting larger empanadas into bite-sized portions—great for sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for 2 to 3 days, making for an easy snack or quick lunch that tastes almost as good as freshly made. Reheat gently so they retain their flaky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked empanadas by placing them on a parchment-lined tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you have ready-to-bake treats whenever the craving hits. When ready, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time and enjoy straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, the oven is your best friend. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the empanadas for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully due to their melting qualities, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a crumbly queso fresco for different flavor profiles.
Is it possible to make these empanadas gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the empanada dough with a gluten-free pie crust or empanada wrappers. Just be mindful of baking times as they might vary slightly depending on the dough’s thickness.
Can I cook the empanadas by frying instead of baking?
Definitely. Frying at around 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes per side yields a delightfully crispy and golden exterior. Just watch closely to avoid over-browning.
How spicy are these empanadas?
They have a mild pleasant warmth thanks to the chili powder and paprika but are not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the chili amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the beef and cheese filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quicker and allows the flavors to deepen as they rest.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is like inviting a little slice of Latin comfort into your kitchen. With its irresistible combination of flaky crust, spiced beef, and melty cheese, it promises to become a go-to crowd-pleaser for any gathering or cozy night in. Trust me, once you make these empanadas, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe time and time again.
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Beef & Cheese Empanadas are flaky, golden pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices. These hand-held Latin-inspired treats are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a satisfying meal when served with salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Dough & Finishing
- 1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade pie dough, cut into 5-inch circles)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned while breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheese until evenly combined.
- Preheat the oven and prepare empanadas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling into the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Beat the egg and brush the tops of the sealed empanadas with the egg wash to give a golden, shiny finish. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crisp. Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- You can also fry the empanadas in hot oil at 350°F for 3–4 minutes per side as an alternative cooking method.
- Try swapping ground beef with ground chicken or black beans for a tasty variation.
- Freeze unbaked empanadas for a quick and convenient future snack; simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
