Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the perfect balance of a crispy, golden crust filled with flavorful spiced beef and gooey cheese. Ideal for snacks, family dinners, or parties. Easy to make, customizable, and totally satisfying. Try this recipe today and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, mix in shredded cheese, and let cool. - Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Form a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. - Assemble the Empanadas:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4-5 inch circles. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold into a half-moon, pressing the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork. - Bake the Empanadas:
Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use store-bought empanada dough or puff pastry.
- You can freeze the unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Want extra veggies? Add diced bell peppers or spinach to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Beef & Cheese Empanadas, beef empanadas, cheesy empanadas, savory pastries