Empanadas are a beloved comfort food in many cultures, and this Beef & Cheese Empanadas recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. With a flavorful ground beef filling spiced with cumin, paprika, and chili powder, and gooey melted cheddar cheese tucked inside a flaky pie crust, these empanadas are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a savory snack, an appetizer for a party, or a satisfying weeknight dinner, these empanadas deliver every time.

In this recipe, we use refrigerated pie crusts to simplify the process, but you can certainly make your own dough from scratch if you prefer. Either way, the result is a batch of golden, crispy empanadas that are sure to impress!

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the empanadas from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t burn. The garlic will infuse the oil with flavor, making the base for the filling.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, along with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the beef mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and cooked through. The spices will create a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the beef is browned, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese while the mixture is still hot. The cheese will melt and combine with the beef, creating a creamy, cheesy filling for the empanadas.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

While the filling cools slightly, roll out the 14 oz package of refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch round cutter (or a glass or lid if you don’t have one), cut out circles of dough. You should get about 12 circles from the package, depending on how thin you roll the crust.

Step 6: Fill the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill. The amount should be enough to fill the empanada but still allow you to seal it without difficulty.

Step 7: Fold and Seal

Fold each dough circle in half to create a half-moon shape, encasing the filling. Press the edges of the dough together gently, then use the tines of a fork to crimp and seal the edges. This will give the empanadas their signature look and ensure the filling stays inside during baking.

Step 8: Apply Egg Wash

Place the sealed empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg. This will give them a golden, shiny finish when they bake.

Step 9: Bake the Empanadas

Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t over-brown.

Step 10: Serve

Once the empanadas are baked to golden perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. These delicious beef and cheese empanadas are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

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Cooking Notes:

• Customizing the Filling: While this recipe uses ground beef and cheddar, you can switch up the filling with other meats (like chicken or pork), or use different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef with a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even black beans for a delicious meat-free filling.
• Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re short on time, you can make the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the empanadas.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: These empanadas pair beautifully with a variety of sauces. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a tangy sour cream dip to complement the cheesy, beefy filling.
• Sides: Consider serving the empanadas with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also make a great snack or party appetizer.
• Toppings: Add a little extra flair by garnishing your empanadas with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little extra heat.

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Tips:

• Sealing the Empanadas: Make sure to press the edges firmly and crimp them well with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. You can also lightly wet the edges with water before sealing if the dough feels too dry.
• Refrigerating and Freezing: These empanadas store well! You can refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispy exterior. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 45 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Empanada – Approximate):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g

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Conclusion:

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a savory appetizer for parties. The golden pie crust is irresistibly flaky, while the beef and melted cheddar create the ultimate comfort filling. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save some for later, these empanadas are sure to hit the spot.

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