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Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

4.9 from 11 reviews

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and savory pastry filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture blended with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they feature a crispy golden crust and a rich, spiced filling, baked to perfection in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dough & Finish

  • 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
  4. Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the beef is well-seasoned. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
  5. Mix Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well combined with the beef mixture.
  6. Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut the dough into circles.
  7. Fill Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
  8. Seal Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down along the edges, sealing the empanadas tightly.
  9. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden, crispy finish when baked.
  10. Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
  11. Serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm!

Notes

  • Do not overfill the empanadas to ensure they seal properly without bursting during baking.
  • You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
  • For extra crispiness, brush the empanadas twice with egg wash before baking.
  • Leftover empanadas can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
  • If preferred, you can add finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for added spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, baked empanadas, savory pastry, ground beef recipe, easy appetizers