Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a perfect combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and a crispy golden crust. These delicious pastries, originating from Latin American cuisine, are a favorite for parties, snacks, or a hearty meal. Whether you’re making them from scratch or using store-bought dough, these empanadas are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with their rich, flavorful filling.
Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Empanadas
To make these mouthwatering empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, for a sweet and savory flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
Instructions for Making Beef and Cheese Empanadas
1. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
For an added twist, mix in the chopped green olives and raisins for a delightful contrast to the savory filling. Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the filling becomes a cohesive, gooey mixture.
2. Make the empanada dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough begins to come together. If necessary, add a little more water until the dough is smooth and pliable.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the empanadas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cutter or a small bowl, cut the dough into circles, about 4 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
4. Bake the empanadas: Place the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and enjoy: Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving. These savory treats are best enjoyed with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a tangy dipping sauce. Whether served as appetizers or a main dish, Beef and Cheese Empanadas are sure to be a hit!
Tips for the Best Beef and Cheese Empanadas
- Customizing the filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add diced bell peppers, corn, or even potatoes for additional flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the empanadas in advance. Assemble them, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag or container and bake them from frozen whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
- Using store-bought dough: If you’re short on time, you can easily use store-bought empanada dough or pie crust. This shortcut will save you time without compromising flavor.
- Frying option: While baking is the healthier option, you can also fry the empanadas in hot oil for a more traditional, crispy texture.
Why You’ll Love Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delightful, versatile dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. From family dinners to gatherings with friends, these empanadas are a hit for both casual meals and special events. The combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese encased in a flaky dough offers a balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Plus, these empanadas are easy to make and can be customized to your taste. Whether you prefer a spicier filling or a milder one, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. They also make for excellent leftovers, as they can be easily reheated in the oven for a quick snack or meal.
Conclusion:
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s both flavorful and fun to make. With a crispy outer shell and a delicious filling, these empanadas are perfect for any occasion. Try making them at home, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family for an unforgettable snack or meal!
Serving and Storage Tips for Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Serving Tips:
- Pair with Dipping Sauces:
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are even more delicious when served with a variety of dipping sauces. Consider offering options like spicy salsa, tangy guacamole, or a creamy ranch or sour cream dip for an added layer of flavor. - Garnish for Extra Flavor:
Garnish your empanadas with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice over the empanadas can also complement the savory filling, enhancing the flavors. - Serving Temperature:
Empanadas are best served warm, straight from the oven. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature if you’re preparing them ahead of time or serving them as a party appetizer. Just make sure they’re reheated properly to maintain their crispy texture. - Perfect for Any Meal:
While great as an appetizer, Beef and Cheese Empanadas can also be served as a main course. Pair them with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re perfect for casual meals, picnics, or even game day snacks.
Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftover empanadas, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. - Freezing Empanadas:
Empanadas freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep. After assembling the empanadas (but before baking), arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 2 hours until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. - Reheating:
To reheat empanadas, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. For a quicker option, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but note that they may not retain their crispy texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Beef and Cheese Empanadas at their best, whether fresh from the oven or as leftovers!
1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Yes! While ground beef is the traditional choice, you can easily substitute it with other types of meat, such as ground chicken, turkey, or pork. For a vegetarian option, try using beans, vegetables, or plant-based meat alternatives.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the empanada dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble the empanadas, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.
3. Can I bake the empanadas from frozen?
Yes, you can bake frozen empanadas directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, depending on your oven and the size of the empanadas.
4. Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry the empanadas for a crispier, more traditional texture. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the empanadas in batches, turning them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are savory, golden-brown hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices. Perfect for snacks, lunch, or as an appetizer, these empanadas are easy to make and deliciously satisfying. Serve them with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping!
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb (225 g) 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 (optional for spice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped green olives (optional, for a salty bite)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the empanada dough:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) cold water
For assembling:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Make the empanada dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the beaten egg and cold water. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface, shape it into a ball, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the shredded cheese, green olives (optional), and chopped parsley.
3. Assemble the empanadas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Use a round cutter (about 4–5 inches / 10–12 cm) to cut out circles of dough.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork for a decorative edge.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for a golden finish.
4. Bake the empanadas
- Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.
5. Serve
- Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
- Filling options: Feel free to add corn, diced peppers, or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Dough shortcut: Store-bought empanada dough, pie crust, or puff pastry can be used as a time-saver.
- Make ahead: Assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
- Frying option: You can also deep-fry the empanadas in vegetable oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.