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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the pastry canvas by rolling out dough and cutting precise circular shapes, ensuring each round provides a perfect vessel for the savory filling.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transform the empanadas with a luxurious egg wash, which will impart a golden, glossy exterior during baking.
- Position the assembled pastries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between each empanada for even heat circulation.
- Slide the baking sheet into a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the empanadas to transform into crispy, golden treasures over 20-25 minutes.
- 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