Name: Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 package (10–12 count) empanada dough discs or pie dough cut into 5-inch rounds; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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There’s just something irresistible about handheld, golden pastries fresh out of the oven—and these Beef & Cheese Empanadas absolutely fit the bill. Imagine a flaky crust encasing juicy, seasoned beef and a gooey cheese blend, all baked to crispy perfection. These empanadas are a celebration of delicious contrasts: rich and savory inside, light and crisp outside. Whether you’re planning a party or craving a tidy comfort-food snack, Beef & Cheese Empanadas are guaranteed to be the star of your spread (with plenty of requests for the recipe afterward!).

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a mile-long shopping list for these empanadas, but each ingredient pulls its weight in flavor, texture, or color. Think of them as the building blocks that turn a humble pastry into a crowd-pleasing treat—every spice, cheese, and drop of oil plays a role.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing and infuses the filling with subtle richness.
Ground beef: The star protein that soaks up all the delicious seasonings and delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Onion (finely chopped): Provides a gentle sweetness and savory backbone to the filling.
Garlic (minced): Lends aromatic warmth and depth—don’t skip this key flavor booster.
Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly smoky note that ties together all the other spices.
Smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and vibrant color, making the filling extra tempting.
Chili powder: Adds just a hint of zing and a subtle kick for balance.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and highlighting the other ingredients.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the beef for an irresistibly creamy, tangy bite.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Contributes excellent meltiness and a mild, milky flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
Empanada dough discs or pie dough: The crisp, flaky vessel that makes this recipe possible; pre-made versions save time without sacrificing quality.
Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top for that beautiful, bakery-style golden shine.

How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat—a simple step, but the way it coaxes out sweetness from the onion totally transforms the filling. Cook the chopped onion for just a couple of minutes until it’s soft, then toss in your minced garlic. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells absolutely amazing!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef right into the skillet with the aromatics, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring so every morsel gets a tasty coating. Give it around 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s deeply browned and cooked through. You want the beef to be evenly seasoned and not too wet—it should hold together lightly when you spoon it.

Step 3: Add the Cheesy Goodness

Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly (so the cheeses don’t just disappear into mush!), stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. They’ll melt a bit from the warmth, turning the mix creamy and cohesive, making each bite unforgettable. This blend is what sets Beef & Cheese Empanadas apart!

Step 4: Fill and Fold

Lay out your empanada dough rounds and, working with one at a time, spoon around 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Try to avoid overstuffing, as tempting as it is—you want the filling enclosed completely. Fold the round over, pressing the edges to seal, then use a fork to crimp the perimeter for that classic empanada look plus an extra-secure seal.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a little space between each. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg—that’s the secret to the glossy, golden tops. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and crisp. Cool them just enough so you don’t burn your fingers, then get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, or even a quick dusting of smoked paprika on top can take your Beef & Cheese Empanadas to next-level deliciousness. If you want to get fancy, a little diced red onion or sliced scallions will add pop and color to every plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Beef & Cheese Empanadas with dips like cool sour cream, tangy salsa, or a bowl of chunky guacamole. For a heartier meal, try a simple green salad or black beans and rice on the side. These empanadas absolutely shine when surrounded by bright, zesty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these beauties on a wooden board for a casual gathering or arrange them upright in a basket lined with a colorful napkin for a festive buffet. For cocktail hour, you can even make mini empanadas—people love the single-bite size! Either way, they look just as fantastic as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare, but possible!), pop them in an airtight container once cooled. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in a single layer or separate with parchment paper so they don’t stick together and lose that flaky crust.

Freezing

Beef & Cheese Empanadas freeze beautifully—before or after baking! To freeze unbaked, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Baked empanadas can be wrapped and stored in the freezer too, ready for a quick reheat.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your empanadas in a 350°F oven until they’re heated through and crisp again, usually about 8-10 minutes. If you’re in a rush, a toaster oven works wonderfully. The microwave will do in a pinch, but you’ll lose the wonderful crunch—so use it only when necessary!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer, Snack

Absolutely! While ground beef makes classic Beef & Cheese Empanadas, you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even leftover shredded roast for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust seasonings as needed.

What if I can’t find empanada discs near me?

No worries—you can use pie dough and cut it into roughly 5-inch rounds. Puff pastry or crescent roll dough will also work if you like an even flakier, lighter crust.

Are Beef & Cheese Empanadas spicy?

They’re usually quite mild, thanks to a modest amount of chili powder. If you like heat, feel free to add a dash more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the empanadas and store them in the fridge, unbaked, up to one day in advance. Bake them right before guests arrive for maximum flakiness and that melt-in-your-mouth cheese experience.

Is it okay to air-fry these empanadas?

Yes! Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F until golden and hot, usually about 12 minutes. They’ll be just as crispy, and you might even save a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the kind of treat that never lasts long on any table—rich, cheesy, hearty, and unmistakably fun to eat. Give them a shot, and don’t be surprised if they become a fast favorite in your kitchen, too!

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 empanadas 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious Latin American-inspired treat that’s perfect for snacking or as an appetizer. Filled with seasoned ground beef and a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, these baked empanadas are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For Assembly:

1 package (10–12 count) empanada dough discs or pie dough cut into 5-inch rounds
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the filling: In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ground beef. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, mix in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Assemble the empanadas: Spoon filling onto each dough disc, fold over, and seal edges. Crimp with a fork and brush with egg wash.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.