Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas are a delightful pastry that brings together flaky dough and a savory filling, often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or meal in many Latin American countries. These Beef & Cheese Empanadas feature a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and melty cheese encased in a buttery, homemade dough. Whether you are hosting a party or simply craving something comforting, these empanadas are sure to hit the spot. They are perfect for serving hot and fresh with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as salsa or sour cream. This recipe walks you through making both the filling and dough from scratch, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.

Ingredients :

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, blending the spices well with the meat and onion mixture.
4. Incorporate the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Cheese: Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let the mixture cool slightly before using it to fill the empanadas.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the cold water to the flour-butter mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together. If necessary, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to work with and resulting in a flakier texture when baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass with a diameter of about 4-5 inches to cut out dough circles.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them, as this could cause the empanadas to burst open during baking.
4. Seal the Empanadas: Fold each dough circle in half to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure a tight seal.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the empanadas. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake the Empanadas: Place the prepared empanadas on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
2. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

COOKING Note:

• For an extra crispy texture, you can fry the empanadas instead of baking them. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these empanadas hot with a variety of dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
• They also pair well with a side of rice or salad for a more filling meal.
• For a Latin-inspired twist, you can serve them alongside a chimichurri sauce.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the empanada dough in advance and freeze it. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Freezing Empanadas: The assembled empanadas can be frozen before baking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a richer filling.
• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier filling, you can add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Empanada):

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Sodium: 400mg

FAQs :

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought empanada dough or even puff pastry can be used as a quick alternative to homemade dough.

Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?

Absolutely! Frying will give them a crispier, flakier exterior. Just make sure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy empanadas.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure you don’t overfill the empanadas and press the edges firmly when sealing them. Crimping with a fork helps to create a tighter seal.

What other fillings can I use?

You can fill empanadas with various options such as shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, or even sweet fillings like apple or dulce de leche.

How do I store leftover empanadas?

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion :

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a satisfying and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. The tender, flavorful beef filling combined with gooey cheese inside a flaky pastry makes for an irresistible snack or meal. The best part is that they can be easily customized with different fillings or dough options, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your tastes. Whether baked or fried, these empanadas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them up with your favorite sides and dipping sauces, and enjoy the delightful crunch and savory goodness with every bite.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 55 minutes

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Ingredients

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Ingredients :

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, blending the spices well with the meat and onion mixture.
4. Incorporate the Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Cheese: Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Let the mixture cool slightly before using it to fill the empanadas.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add the cold water to the flour-butter mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together. If necessary, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a cohesive dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to work with and resulting in a flakier texture when baked.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass with a diameter of about 4-5 inches to cut out dough circles.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them, as this could cause the empanadas to burst open during baking.
4. Seal the Empanadas: Fold each dough circle in half to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure a tight seal.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the empanadas. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

1. Bake the Empanadas: Place the prepared empanadas on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
2. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

COOKING Note:

• For an extra crispy texture, you can fry the empanadas instead of baking them. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Sodium: 400mg
• Protein: 12g