If you have a craving for something warm, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These golden pockets of joy combine juicy, seasoned ground beef with melty cheddar cheese, wrapped in a tender, flaky dough that bakes to perfection. Whether you’re making a casual snack or feeding a crowd, these empanadas offer the perfect balance of savory goodness and satisfying texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create this delightful Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe, each playing a vital role in the final taste and texture. From the fragrant spices to the gooey cheese and the flaky dough, every element counts.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base and helps soften the onions.
- Ground beef: The hearty filling, rich in protein and flavor.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and moisture, finely chopped to melt into the filling.
- Garlic: Infuses a fragrant depth that brightens the meat mixture.
- Ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy note that complements the beef beautifully.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky undertone, enhancing the savory profile.
- Chili powder: Brings a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the flavors.
- Tomato sauce: Provides moisture and a slight tang to enrich the filling.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts to creamy perfection inside every empanada.
- Empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade): The flaky, golden shell that holds everything together.
- Egg (for egg wash): Creates a gorgeous golden crust and a subtle shine upon baking.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add finely chopped onions and sauté them for about three minutes until they soften and become translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavor base that’s sweet and aromatic. Toss in minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its fragrance without letting it burn.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook it thoroughly for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Draining any excess fat at this point ensures your empanadas won’t be greasy, keeping the filling rich yet balanced.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
It’s time to bring out the warm spices. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to infuse the meat with layers of flavor. Pour in the tomato sauce for a subtle tang and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This melding stage is where your filling develops its hearty, comforting character.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Cool
Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too early and keeps the dough from becoming soggy. Stir in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, which will melt perfectly inside the empanadas once baked, adding a creamy, savory touch.
Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas
Place an empanada dough disc on a clean surface and spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling into the center. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, ensuring all that delicious filling is locked inside.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the empanadas on the sheet with some space between each. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve that irresistible golden-brown sheen. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is crisp and beautifully browned. Let them cool slightly before diving in to enjoy that satisfying crunch followed by the savory filling.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and refreshing hint that complements the savory meat. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy salsa introduces a creamy or zesty contrast, making each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair these empanadas with light, vibrant sides to balance their richness. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette brightens the meal, while creamy guacamole gives a silky, mellow texture that harmonizes beautifully. For a heartier option, black beans or a corn salad can round out the Latin American-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the plate adds fun and flair to your presentation. Serve these empanadas on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of assorted dipping sauces like chimichurri, chipotle mayo, or spicy salsa verde. For parties, arrange them in a circle around a colorful relish or queso dip for an inviting centerpiece that’s both tasty and visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy again, reheating in the oven helps restore that crispness in the crust.
Freezing
You can freeze these empanadas either before or after baking. For best results, assemble them and freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy this dish anytime a craving strikes. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
The oven is the best method for reheating to bring back the flaky texture and warm, melty filling. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough rubbery or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar or Monterey Jack provide great melt and flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack for some heat, or even a crumbly queso fresco to change things up.
Is it possible to make the dough from scratch?
Yes, homemade empanada dough is delightful and relatively easy to prepare. It typically consists of flour, butter, salt, and water. Making your own dough adds a personal touch and allows you to customize the texture exactly to your liking.
How spicy are these empanadas?
This recipe offers a gentle warmth from the chili powder without being overly spicy, making it suitable for most palates. You can adjust the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños if you’d like more heat.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The filling can be made one or two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before assembling your empanadas for the best results.
What if I don’t have empanada dough discs?
No worries! You can use small rounds of pie crust, puff pastry, or make your own dough. The key is that it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling but still tender once baked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors, give this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe a try. It’s fun to make, easy to share, and sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether for a casual family meal or an impressive appetizer for guests, these empanadas hit all the right notes of savory, cheesy, and perfectly baked goodness. I can’t wait for you to taste and fall in love with this recipe as much as I have!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious Latin American treat with a flavorful ground beef filling combined with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, all encased in a flaky empanada dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying main course, they’re easy to prepare and great for gatherings or family meals.
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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Dough and Finishing
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs (or homemade dough)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Season and simmer: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool a few minutes.
- Add cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the cooled beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Fill and seal empanadas: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to let the filling set and to avoid burning your mouth.
Notes
- You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For extra flavor, serve these empanadas with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
