Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or even a comforting dinner? These Beef & Cheese Empanadas hit the mark with a deliciously flaky crust filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheddar cheese. Made easy with refrigerated pie crusts, they’re simple yet irresistibly savory. Here’s how to make these easy, cheesy empanadas everyone will love!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Brown the Beef:
Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up any large chunks. Once done, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and combined with the beef mixture.
Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, unroll the pie crusts and cut out 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or small bowl. This size is perfect for easy handling and a hearty bite!
Assemble the Empanadas:
Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold over to form a half-moon shape, pressing edges with a fork to seal. This ensures the empanadas stay closed while baking and gives them a decorative edge.
Brush with Egg Wash and Bake:
Place empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or a spicy dipping sauce for an added kick!
Serving Tips:
Dipping Sauces: Serve the empanadas with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy aioli for added flavor.
Meal Pairing: Make it a full meal by pairing with a side salad, Spanish rice, or roasted vegetables.
Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh touch.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerator: Place leftover empanadas in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezing: To freeze before baking, assemble the empanadas and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen empanadas in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
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FAQs:
Can I make Beef & Cheese Empanadas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the empanadas up to the baking step and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions. You can also freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
What other types of cheese can I use?
Feel free to substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Just make sure it’s a melty cheese to achieve that gooey filling!
Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated pie crusts?
Absolutely! Homemade empanada dough or even puff pastry can be used. Just make sure to roll it out thinly and adjust baking times if needed, as homemade doughs may vary in thickness.
How do I keep the empanadas crispy when reheating?
For the crispiest results, reheat the empanadas in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the crust soft instead of crispy.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping snacks for the week, or enjoying a cozy meal, these Beef & Cheese Empanadas are sure to satisfy. With their flaky crust and cheesy beef filling, they’re a deliciously easy recipe that’s bound to become a favorite!
📖 Recipe:
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Beef & Cheese Empanadas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas
Description
Satisfy your cravings with these Beef & Cheese Empanadas, a deliciously flaky, savory pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a comforting dinner, these empanadas are quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients, making them a favorite for all occasions.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Spoon beef filling onto each dough circle. Fold to form a half-moon, sealing edges with a fork.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Place empanadas on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble and freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for 25-30 minutes at 375°F.
Reheating Tips: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Cheese Options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a flavorful variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American, Spanish-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 empanadas
- Calories: 250 kcal
