If you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and downright comforting, let me introduce you to Beef & Cheese Empanadas. These handheld pockets of goodness are packed with seasoned ground beef and melting cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. They’re the perfect snack, appetizer, or meal to share with friends and family, combining bold Latin flavor with kid-friendly appeal. One bite and you’ll see why Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a staple in my kitchen, whether for cozy nights in or festive gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet indispensable ingredients before you start. Each one plays a specific role in making your Beef & Cheese Empanadas deliciously satisfying — from building robust flavors to ensuring that beautiful golden color!
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the onions and garlic soften perfectly in the skillet.
- Ground Beef: The star protein, giving your empanadas their hearty, savory bite.
- Yellow Onion: Finely chopped for sweet, aromatic undertones that round out the filling.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves bumped up the flavor with irresistible savory notes.
- Ground Cumin: Brings a warm, earthy base that sets the stage for a classic Latin taste.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color to your filling.
- Chili Powder: Kicks in a touch of gentle heat for added depth (not overwhelming, just right!).
- Salt: Seasons everything evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Black Pepper: Enhances the beef and brings a gentle zing to the mix.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and brings all the spices together in a luscious, saucy filling.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts into rich, gooey strands that make every empanada irresistible.
- Empanada Dough Discs: Store-bought discs save time and create a perfectly crisp outside—just thaw if frozen!
- Egg: A quick egg wash glazes the tops for that signature bakery-style sheen.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Beef & Cheese Empanadas will bake evenly and lift off the pan easily with zero sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add your chopped onions and cook until they’re wonderfully soft and sweet, about three minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it can taste bitter.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Crank up the cozy! Add your ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as you go, and cook until it’s fully browned. This is the foundation for your filling, so take your time to get a nice, even sear on the beef. Drain off extra grease for a not-too-heavy filling.
Step 4: Season It Up
Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir well and let everything simmer for two or three minutes until the filling is nice and thick. This is when your kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible!
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then stir in the shredded cheese. The residual warmth melts the cheese just enough so it’s gooey without turning greasy.
Step 6: Fill and Shape the Empanadas
Lay out your empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Add one to two tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture right in the center of each disc. Fold them over into a half-moon shape and crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal in all that tasty filling. Don’t overfill—they’re perfect when they’re plump but still easy to handle.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Arrange the assembled empanadas on your prepared baking sheet. Give their tops a generous brush with the beaten egg; this is what gives Beef & Cheese Empanadas that irresistible golden finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until perfectly golden brown and slightly puffed. Serve them up warm and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Beef & Cheese Empanadas with fresh chopped cilantro or scallions for bright color and an extra flavor boost. If you’re feeling fancy, a few sliced jalapeños or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top really takes things up a notch.
Side Dishes
Pair these empanadas with cool sour cream, zesty salsa, or a vibrant chimichurri for dunking. They also love being served alongside a crisp salad, tangy slaw, or even simple rice and beans for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging Beef & Cheese Empanadas in a big basket lined with a colorful napkin for casual sharing. For parties, stand them up on a platter with assorted dips for a fun, interactive appetizer spread. You can even pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for an easy, portable treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pop leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. They hold up beautifully and make fantastic next-day snacks or lunches.
Freezing
For major meal-prep wins, freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray until solid, then move them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time—no need to thaw!
Reheating
To recapture the perfect texture, reheat Beef & Cheese Empanadas in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but the crust will be a bit softer, so the oven is always my go-to for reviving that baked perfection.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices that melt beautifully, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a little crumbled queso fresco for new flavor twists in your Beef & Cheese Empanadas.
Are there any vegetarian substitutes for the beef?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Simply follow the same seasoning and cooking steps to keep that same satisfying, savory filling.
Can these be fried instead of baked?
You bet! If you prefer a crispier, decadent edge, fry Beef & Cheese Empanadas in hot oil until they’re golden and bubbly. Just be sure to seal them tightly so the filling doesn’t escape in the oil.
Where can I find empanada dough discs?
Most grocery stores with a Latin or international foods section carry ready-to-use empanada dough discs, often in the freezer section. You can also use pie dough or puff pastry in a pinch, just roll and cut to size!
Are Beef & Cheese Empanadas spicy?
This recipe has just a gentle warmth from chili powder, but the spice level is really mild and approachable for kids. If you like more heat, feel free to add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Beef & Cheese Empanadas, you’ll want to make them again and again—they’re that satisfying! Whether you’re serving a crowd or just yourself, these golden, cheesy pockets are guaranteed to bring smiles. Don’t hesitate to give them a go; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious Latin American appetizer perfect for any occasion. Savory ground beef, spices, and cheese are enveloped in a flaky empanada dough and baked until golden brown. Serve these hand pies warm with salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri for a flavorful snack or meal.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow 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
For Assembly:
- 1 package empanada dough discs (10-count, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in shredded cheese.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each empanada disc. Fold over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Bake: Place on prepared baking sheet and brush with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm.
Notes
- These can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
- Reheat baked empanadas in the oven for best texture.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
