Name: Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 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; 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs (or homemade dough); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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If you’re craving a savory, cheesy snack or a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor, Beef & Cheese Empanadas are about to become your new favorite. These golden, hand-held pastries are filled with spiced ground beef and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you need a comforting treat, Beef & Cheese Empanadas deliver a deliciously hearty filling with every bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Beef & Cheese Empanadas comes from a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Each one brings its own character, adding depth, richness, and that irresistible texture you’ll love.

Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps sauté the onions and beef to perfection.
Ground beef: The star of the show, providing hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein.
Onion: Finely chopped for an aromatic sweetness that mellows beautifully as it cooks.
Garlic: Minced for a punch of bold, fragrant flavor that infuses the filling.
Ground cumin: Delivers a warm, earthy spice that’s classic in Latin-inspired dishes.
Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the beef mixture.
Chili powder: Just enough to give a gentle, zesty kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt: Balances and enhances every bite.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Tomato sauce: Brings moisture and a tangy undertone to the savory filling.
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts into the beef, creating that dreamy, cheesy stretch.
Empanada dough discs (or homemade dough): The crispy, flaky vessel that holds all the deliciousness inside.
Egg: Used for the egg wash, giving the empanadas that gorgeous golden finish.

How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about three minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Next, crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat so your filling isn’t greasy, then sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, add the tomato sauce, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly in the next step.

Step 2: Add the Cheese

Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, fold in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. The heat from the meat will gently melt the cheese, turning the filling into a luscious, cohesive mixture that’s hard to resist. This is the heart and soul of Beef & Cheese Empanadas—the creamy, cheesy filling that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Step 3: Fill and Seal the Empanadas

Lay out your empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade) on a clean surface. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each disc. Be careful not to overfill, or you’ll have trouble sealing them. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to crimp the edges firmly. This not only seals in all that goodness, but also gives each empanada its classic, decorative edge.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Arrange the filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them some space so they bake evenly. Brush each one with beaten egg—this little step gives your Beef & Cheese Empanadas a gorgeous, shiny, golden finish. Slide the tray into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re puffed, crisp, and deeply golden. Let them cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your fingers, then dig in!

How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Garnishes

The right garnish can make your Beef & Cheese Empanadas look and taste even more irresistible. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra zing, try a dollop of sour cream, some salsa, or a spoonful of guacamole on the side. A wedge of lime is always a welcome touch for those who like a hint of citrus.

Side Dishes

Empanadas are wonderfully versatile, so you can serve them with almost anything! Pair them with a crisp green salad for a light meal, or go for classic Latin sides like black beans, rice, or roasted vegetables. If you’re feeling extra festive, set out a platter with pickled red onions and a tangy slaw to balance the rich, savory filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Beef & Cheese Empanadas to the next level by arranging them on a big wooden board with colorful dipping sauces—think chimichurri, spicy salsa, and creamy avocado dip. For parties, use small baskets lined with parchment paper for a rustic touch. You can even cut a tiny slit in each empanada and top with a mini flag or sprig of herb for a playful, personal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they’re not stacked too tightly, so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Empanadas freeze beautifully! Assemble and seal them, then pop them onto a tray in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes Beef & Cheese Empanadas the ultimate make-ahead snack or meal.

Reheating

To bring leftover empanadas back to their golden glory, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it can make the pastry soft instead of flaky. For best results, place them on a baking rack so the bottoms stay nice and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer or Main Course

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure to season well and adjust cooking times as needed.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are both fantastic in Beef & Cheese Empanadas because they melt beautifully and have a rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or even spicy pepper jack for a twist!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to assemble, bring it to room temperature so it’s easy to work with and the cheese blends in smoothly.

Do I need to use store-bought empanada dough?

Not at all! Store-bought dough is super convenient, but if you love baking from scratch, homemade empanada dough will work wonderfully and can add an extra level of flavor and flakiness.

Are Beef & Cheese Empanadas spicy?

These empanadas have just a hint of warmth from the chili powder and paprika, but they’re not overly spicy. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the filling.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste these Beef & Cheese Empanadas, you’ll see why they’re a favorite at gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. With their savory filling and golden crust, they’re sure to win over everyone at your table. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again!

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10–12 empanadas 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a perfect Latin American inspired appetizer or main course. Filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, wrapped in flaky empanada dough, then baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for parties or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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 & Assembly

1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs (or homemade dough)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Season Filling: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
Add Cheese: Once slightly cooled, stir the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
Assemble Empanadas: Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling into the center of each empanada dough disc. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the empanadas thoroughly.
Prepare for Baking: Place the sealed empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each empanada with the beaten egg to create a golden, shiny crust when baked.
Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Serve: Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the filling and flaky crust at their best.

Notes

You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months; bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For extra flavor, serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole as dipping options.
Use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese based on your preference for a richer or milder flavor.
Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling leakage during baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer or Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Latin American