Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
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.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Halal
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)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, baked empanadas, savory pastry, ground beef recipe, easy appetizers