Beef & Cheese Empanadas

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, golden empanada filled with savory beef and gooey cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or looking for a tasty snack, these homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a hit! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also super versatile—make them ahead of time, freeze them, or switch up the filling to suit your taste. This recipe is sure to be a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love These Empanadas

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are crispy on the outside with a rich, flavorful filling that’s satisfying and indulgent. The combination of tender ground beef, perfectly melted cheese, and aromatic spices makes them irresistible!

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

• Savory, Cheesy Goodness: The shredded cheddar or mozzarella perfectly complements the spiced beef.
• Customizable: You can switch out the filling ingredients or add veggies to make it your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for snacks, parties, or even as a main course with a side salad.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these! And the dough-making process is perfect for little helpers.

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky crust, only to find it filled with flavorful beef, melted cheese, and a hint of spice. The cheddar or mozzarella adds that creamy richness, while the spices (cumin, paprika, oregano) give a warm, smoky flavor. Every bite is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Anything but boring!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or frying pan
• Rolling pin
• Round cutter or glass (4-5 inches in diameter)
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Pastry cutter or fork

How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas

1. Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid soggy empanadas. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Then, mix in the tomato sauce and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let the filling cool.

2. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add the cold water, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. This ensures it’s easier to work with and results in a flakier crust.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles (4-5 inches in diameter) using a round cutter or glass. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Bake the Empanadas

Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are crispy and golden.

What to Serve With These Empanadas

While they are incredible on their own, you can serve these empanadas with:

• Salsa: A fresh tomato salsa for a zesty kick.
• Sour Cream: A creamy dip to balance the flavors.
• Guacamole: For an added layer of richness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Empanadas

• Chill the dough: This makes it easier to roll out and keeps the dough from shrinking in the oven.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the empanadas to burst open.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough a day in advance, keeping both in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
• Freeze for later: Assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few more minutes to the cooking time.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the crispiest results.
• Freezer: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen at 375°F, adding 5-7 minutes to the bake time.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough or even puff pastry is a quick alternative if you’re short on time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, both the filling and dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

How do I keep the empanadas from bursting open?

Make sure to not overfill the empanadas and press the edges firmly to seal. Using a little water on the edges before sealing can help.

Conclusion

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the perfect combination of crispy and gooey, savory and cheesy. Easy to make, family-friendly, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Make a batch today, and I promise, they won’t last long!

Looking for more beef recipes? Try these:

• Classic Beef Rissoles – A simple, hearty meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.
• Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri – Packed with bold flavors and zesty sauce.
• Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin – An elegant dish for special occasions.

Don’t forget to leave a review or share your creations with me on Pinterest! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Per empanada (serving size: 1):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

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