Description
Flaky, golden pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese—these Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious, handheld treat perfect for snacking or a satisfying meal. The combination of a crisp, buttery crust and a rich, cheesy filling makes these empanadas a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether baked or fried, they’re easy to make ahead and freeze for later.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
¾ cup cold water
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, ground beef, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook until the beef is browned, then remove from heat and let it cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into circles using a round cutter or a small bowl.
- Place a spoonful of beef mixture onto each circle and top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake the Empanadas:
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Try different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Freezing Tip: Freeze unbaked empanadas and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 empanadas
- Calories: 290 kcal
