Homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe: Savory Golden Pockets

Crispy, golden beef and cheese empanadas dance between comfort and culinary excitement.

Packed with savory ingredients, these handheld delights burst with flavor from every delectable bite.

Argentine-inspired pastries promise a mouthwatering journey through rich, spiced fillings and flaky exteriors.

Warm, tender beef mingles seamlessly with melted cheese inside perfectly crimped dough pockets.

Homemade versions surpass anything you might find in commercial bakeries or restaurants.

Simple techniques make these empanadas surprisingly approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Come explore this delicious recipe that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires.

Beef Empanadas That Deliver Crispy Crust And Hearty Filling

• Quickly Prepare Comfort Food: These beef and cheese empanadas offer a hassle-free meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Kids and adults alike will love the savory combination of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in a crispy golden pastry shell.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: These empanadas work brilliantly as appetizers for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings, impressing guests with minimal cooking skills required.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Favorite: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and basic spices means you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank, making this recipe both delicious and economical.

Beef and Cheese Empanadas Ingredients Explained

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for the filling, rich in flavor and protein.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy texture and extra richness to the beef mixture.

• Onion: Provides sweet and savory foundation for the filling.
• Garlic: Adds deep, pungent flavor to enhance the beef.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that gives traditional Latin American taste.
• Paprika: Adds mild pepper flavor and beautiful color to the filling.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate overall taste.

• Empanada Dough: Traditional pastry for encasing the delicious filling, can be homemade or store-bought.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding subtle fruity flavor.
• Egg: Creates golden, glossy finish on empanada surface when brushed before baking.

Empanada Assembly for Beef & Cheese Filling

Step 1: Create Savory Beef Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature.

Toss chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft.

Add garlic and ground beef, continuously stirring until meat transforms into a rich brown color and cooks completely.

Drain any remaining fat from the pan.

Step 2: Enhance Beef Flavor Profile

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Remove beef mixture from heat and allow slight cooling.

Once temperature reduces, blend shredded cheese thoroughly into the meat mixture.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Pastry Pockets

Turn oven to 375°F.

Stretch dough into circular shapes.

Position a generous spoonful of beef and cheese blend centrally on each round.

Elegantly fold dough, creating crescent shapes.

Use fork edges to firmly seal empanada borders.

Step 4: Prepare Golden Exterior

Gently paint empanada surfaces with beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage.

Arrange pastries on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide empanadas into preheated oven.

Bake approximately 20-25 minutes until surfaces become gorgeous golden brown and achieve crispy texture.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Present warm empanadas alongside preferred dipping sauce.

Savor immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Empanada Filling and Folding Ideas That Work

• Swap traditional shredded cheese with monterey jack, cheddar, or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles and added richness.
• Drain beef thoroughly after cooking to prevent soggy empanada bottoms and ensure a perfectly crisp pastry texture.
• Press fork edges firmly and evenly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a tight and professional-looking seal.
• Incorporate diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the beef mixture for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Prepare uncooked empanadas, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient make-ahead meals that can be baked directly from frozen.

Reheat Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled empanadas in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen empanadas in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For frozen empanadas, add 5-7 extra minutes to ensure even heating. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to maintain crispiness.
• Use this method for quick reheating, but note the crust might lose some crunchiness. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, checking halfway to prevent overheating.

Best Sides for Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Elevate Dipping: Serve empanadas with zesty chimichurri sauce for a tangy, herbaceous punch that cuts through the rich beef and cheese.
• Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Malbec from Argentina to complement the savory meat filling, enhancing the empanadas' robust flavors with its spicy undertones.
• Cool Contrast: Prepare a fresh cilantro-lime crema as a creamy, bright dipping sauce that balances the warmth of the empanadas and adds a refreshing layer of flavor.
• Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños to provide a crisp, light accompaniment that adds freshness and mild heat to each bite.

Savory Twists for Beef Empanadas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based protein-packed filling that delivers similar texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour-based dough to create empanadas suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the classic empanada structure.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and swap regular cheese for pepper jack to create a zesty, heat-infused version that brings southwestern flair to the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute traditional dough with lettuce wraps or use cauliflower-based dough to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the delicious beef and cheese combination.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the beef filling?

The key ingredients are ground beef, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. These spices and ingredients create a flavorful and robust filling that makes the empanadas delicious.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative to beef. It will provide a leaner protein option while maintaining similar flavor profiles. Just ensure the turkey is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Do I need special equipment to make empanadas?

No special equipment is required. You’ll need a skillet for cooking the filling, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. A fork helps crimp the edges, but isn’t absolutely necessary.

• How do I know when the empanadas are fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown exterior and crispy edges. The baking time of 20-25 minutes at 375°F usually ensures the dough is fully cooked and the filling is heated through.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory beef & cheese empanadas bring South American comfort to your kitchen, packed with rich flavors and flaky pastry. Crisp golden shells cradle spiced ground beef and melted cheese, inviting you to savor each delicious bite of this traditional Latin American delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Pastry and Coating:

• 1 package empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavor-packed beef mixture by sautéing onions in olive oil until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and ground beef, cooking thoroughly until meat browns and releases its rich essence.
2. Elevate the beef’s profile by incorporating warming spices like cumin and paprika, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a robust foundation. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then fold in shredded cheese for creamy complexity.
3. Prepare the pastry canvas by rolling out dough and cutting precise circular shapes, ensuring each round provides a perfect vessel for the savory filling.
4. Carefully position a generous spoonful of the seasoned beef and cheese blend at the center of each dough circle, maintaining appropriate spacing to prevent leakage.
5. Gently fold the dough over the filling, creating elegant half-moon pockets, then meticulously seal the edges using a fork’s tines to lock in the delectable contents.
6. Transform the empanadas with a luxurious egg wash, which will impart a golden, glossy exterior during baking.
7. Position the assembled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each empanada for even heat circulation.
8. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the empanadas to transform into crispy, golden treasures over 20-25 minutes.
9. Serve immediately, accompanied by a zesty dipping sauce that complements the rich, spiced filling.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner filling texture.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutritional boost.
• Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for varied taste profiles.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for quick future meals, storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg