If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that will instantly transport you to a sunny Latin kitchen, Cheesy Beef Empanadas are your golden ticket. These irresistible hand pies wrap savory, spiced ground beef and melty cheese in a flaky pastry shell, making every bite a joyful surprise. Whether you’re throwing a party, packing a picnic, or just wanting something fun for dinner, Cheesy Beef Empanadas deliver big flavor and plenty of smiles. This recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests—trust me, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Beef Empanadas is how each ingredient brings its own magic to the dish. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’ll create layers of flavor, color, and crunchy-cheesy goodness.
- Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil gives the beef a rich, savory base and helps everything cook evenly.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show—choose lean beef for a hearty, satisfying filling that isn’t greasy.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings out a robust aroma and subtle heat.
- Chili Powder: Just enough to add warmth and a gentle kick.
- Ground Cumin: Earthy cumin rounds out the spices and gives the empanadas their signature flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: This brings a hint of smokiness, making the filling truly irresistible.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Offers a subtle bite to enhance the savoriness.
- Tomato Sauce: Binds the filling together with a juicy, tangy finish.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully inside, creating that stretchy, gooey center everyone loves.
- Refrigerated Pie Dough or Empanada Dough Discs: The shortcut to perfectly flaky, golden pastry; use store-bought for ease or homemade for extra flair.
- Egg (beaten): A quick egg wash gives your empanadas a gorgeous, shiny finish when baked.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your empanadas bake up golden and flaky. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Get your ingredients measured and ready to go—once you start, this recipe comes together quickly!
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is nearly done, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so every bite is packed with flavor. Pour in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce should thicken just a bit, coating the beef in rich, spiced goodness. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly—this makes assembling your Cheesy Beef Empanadas much easier.
Step 4: Prep the Dough
If you’re using refrigerated pie dough or empanada discs, roll them out as needed and cut into 5- to 6-inch circles. This is the perfect size for holding just the right amount of savory, cheesy filling.
Step 5: Fill and Seal the Empanadas
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each dough circle. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of shredded cheese. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly. For that classic empanada look, use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the filled empanadas on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and beautifully browned. Serve your Cheesy Beef Empanadas warm and enjoy every oozy, crispy bite!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate Cheesy Beef Empanadas by adding color, crunch, and a burst of flavor. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a few slices of fresh jalapeño, or a dollop of creamy sour cream. If you love bright flavors, a quick squeeze of lime over the top works wonders!
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Beef Empanadas with simple, zesty sides to balance the richness of the filling. A crisp green salad, tangy pickled onions, or a scoop of black bean salad make fantastic accompaniments. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside seasoned rice or a bowl of cooling guacamole.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Cheesy Beef Empanadas on a platter with little dipping bowls of salsa, chimichurri, or queso. Stack them in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a rustic, shareable vibe. Or, for a fun family dinner, set up an empanada bar with assorted toppings and let everyone customize their own plate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Beef Empanadas keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper if stacking, so the pastry stays flaky and doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Assemble your empanadas up to the baking step, then freeze them on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and they’ll last up to two months. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra five minutes to the bake time for hot, fresh empanadas any night of the week.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. This keeps the pastry from getting tough or chewy, unlike the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will work, but the texture is best from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Beef Empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas a day in advance, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them off when you’re ready. They’re also freezer-friendly for even more convenience.
What kind of cheese is best for Cheesy Beef Empanadas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are both fantastic because they melt beautifully and add a punch of creamy flavor. Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist!
Can I fry instead of bake?
Yes, you can fry Cheesy Beef Empanadas for an extra crispy shell. Simply heat oil in a deep pan and fry the filled empanadas until golden brown on both sides. Drain well and serve warm.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Look for gluten-free pastry dough at the store or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so just swap the dough for a completely gluten-free treat.
What else can I add to the filling?
You can get creative with add-ins like diced jalapeños for heat, chopped olives for a briny bite, or even a handful of sweet corn. Cheesy Beef Empanadas are super versatile, so have fun tailoring them to your taste!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried Cheesy Beef Empanadas, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved classic. With their flaky crust and gooey, savory filling, they’re bound to become a favorite in your kitchen too. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the magic of homemade Cheesy Beef Empanadas—you won’t regret it!
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Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Beef Empanadas are a delicious fusion of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in flaky dough, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as appetizers or a satisfying main course, these empanadas bring the bold flavors of Latin American cuisine right to your kitchen with an easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
For the Empanadas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough or empanada dough discs (about 10–12 pieces)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your empanadas evenly and getting that golden crust.
- Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to create fine crumbles.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, which enhances the depth of flavor in the filling.
- Season: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This melds all the flavors together. Then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Dough: If needed, roll out the refrigerated dough to about 5 to 6-inch circles. These serve as the empanada wrappers.
- Fill Empanadas: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef filling onto the center of each dough circle. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the filling.
- Seal Edges: Fold each dough circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Firmly press the edges with a fork to seal them securely and prevent filling leakage.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, these empanadas can be fried instead of baked.
- Add diced jalapeños or olives to the filling for a spicy or savory twist.
- You can freeze the assembled empanadas before baking; just bake straight from frozen and add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American, Spanish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
