If you’re looking for a foolproof way to win over family and friends, this Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is the ticket! Imagine golden, flaky pastry pockets stuffed with savory beef, gooey cheese, and just the right hint of spice. Every bite sings with flavor—rich, comforting, and completely irresistible. Whether served as a party appetizer or a cozy main dish, these empanadas always disappear fast. So let’s dive in and make magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create empanadas that are bursting with rich, savory goodness. Each element has a role—don’t skip! From the aromatics to the melty cheese, every item delivers flavor, texture, or that perfect golden finish.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness to the filling and helps soften the onions for maximum flavor infusion.
- Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes these empanadas so satisfying.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Garlic (minced): Gives an aromatic punch that makes the filling irresistible.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy undertone synonymous with Latin-inspired dishes.
- Smoked Paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the filling.
- Chili Powder: Provides just a touch of heat—adjust to your liking if you love spice!
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Black Pepper: Offers a hint of sharp warmth to balance the richness.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds tang and moisture, binding the filling together nicely.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional): Brings a burst of freshness and color—feel free to skip if you’re not a fan.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts into the filling, creating gooey, cheesy pockets in every bite.
- Empanada Dough Discs (store-bought or homemade): The golden, flaky vessel that holds all the deliciousness.
- Egg (beaten): Creates that irresistible glossy, golden finish on top.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add those finely chopped onions and let them soften—about three minutes is all it takes. Next, toss in the minced garlic for that wonderfully fragrant kick. Just thirty seconds will do, and you’ll already smell incredible things happening in your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Season
Add your ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step transforms the mixture into a hearty, savory centerpiece for your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe. Cook until it’s nicely browned, then drain any excess fat if needed—you want your filling rich, not greasy. Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat every morsel in spice.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomato and Cheese
Pour in the tomato sauce and let everything simmer together for three to five minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and becoming even more flavorful. Now, take it off the heat and fold in the chopped cilantro (if using) alongside the shredded cheese. Stir well—this is where the cheesy magic really happens. Let the filling cool slightly before continuing so the cheese stays deliciously stringy but doesn’t melt away into the dough just yet.
Step 4: Assemble the Empanadas
Arrange your empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Spoon a generous helping of beef and cheese filling into the center of each disc—it’s tempting to overfill, but too much and the dough might split! Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them tight. This step is key for locking in all the goodness.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of your empanadas with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden sheen. Transfer them to your prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until they’re puffed and deeply golden. You’ll know they’re ready when the aroma alone draws everyone into the kitchen!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving—they’ll be piping hot inside. This short wait lets the flavors settle and makes them easier to eat with your hands. Now dig in and watch the cheesy filling stretch with every bite!
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
These empanadas shine with simply chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top for a pop of color. If you love a little heat, serve with fresh jalapeño slices or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. A small bowl of salsa or cooling sour cream on the side is always a welcome touch!
Side Dishes
For a full meal, plate your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe with a crisp green salad, tangy pickled red onions, or a cool avocado slaw. Spanish rice or black beans also make satisfying, festive accompaniments that soak up any extra filling or salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, arrange the empanadas on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—think chimichurri, salsa verde, or chipotle aioli. For a fun twist, cut a few empanadas in half to show off that beautiful beef and cheese interior. They’re also perfect party food: just stick toothpicks in each for grab-and-go bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any leftovers, store completely cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and make an excellent snack or quick lunch on busy afternoons.
Freezing
This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly! Arrange unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time and watch them puff up perfectly.
Reheating
Pop cold or thawed empanadas into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes to regain that irresistible flakiness. They’ll heat through without losing texture, unlike the microwave. For a quick fix, the air fryer does wonders too—3-5 minutes at 350°F brings back that freshly baked taste!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic alternatives. They keep the empanadas flavorful and lighter, and pair beautifully with the same spices and cheese. Just make sure to cook through and season well.
What cheese works best for empanadas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics—they melt smoothly and have just enough tang. You can also experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack if you’re craving a little heat. Blend cheeses if you want, there are no rules!
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepping the beef and cheese filling a day in advance is a brilliant way to save time. Store it covered in the fridge, and let it return to room temperature before filling your empanada dough disks. It actually lets the flavors meld even more.
How do I keep the empanada edges from popping open?
Be sure not to overfill the dough discs and always press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. You can also slightly moisten the dough edges with water before crimping to help them stick together and prevent leaks while baking.
Are these empanadas spicy?
They are gently spiced, but not hot—just enough chili powder for warmth and depth. If you love spicy food, add diced jalapeños to the filling or extra chili powder. Prefer them mild? Simply reduce or omit the chili powder to taste.
Final Thoughts
Ready to impress your family or guests? This Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe is nothing short of comfort food perfection. Try them for your next gathering, game night, or snack craving—they’re sure to be requested again and again. Dive in and happy baking!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious Latin American treat that combines savory ground beef, melted cheese, and flavorful spices, all wrapped in a flaky empanada dough. Perfect for appetizers or a hearty snack!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
For Assembly:
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs (or homemade)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, ground beef, and spices, then simmer with tomato sauce. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro and cheese. Let cool.
- Assemble Empanadas: Spoon filling onto empanada discs, fold in half, and seal edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking—adjust baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
