Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, and they come in countless variations, from sweet to savory, baked to fried. These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the perfect blend of rich, seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. They are easy to make and versatile enough to serve as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. Whether you’re looking for a fun party food or a comforting family meal, this empanada recipe is sure to be a hit.

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Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to sauté the onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the filling.
• 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is a classic empanada filling. It’s hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the spices and cheese.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onions add a slight sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the filling, adding a fragrant, slightly spicy note.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin gives the filling a warm, earthy flavor that is essential in many Latin American dishes.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the filling. It also enhances the flavor without being overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder: Chili powder adds a touch of heat and smokiness to the beef, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings enhance all the flavors in the filling.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese melts beautifully inside the empanadas, adding a gooey, creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy crust.
• 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts: Using pre-made pie crusts is a great time-saver. The crust becomes golden and flaky as it bakes, creating the perfect pocket for the beef and cheese filling.
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): The egg wash helps give the empanadas a beautiful golden brown color and adds a bit of shine to the finished product.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat: The olive oil not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich, savory flavor to the filling. Start by heating the oil in a large skillet to ensure there’s enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly.
• Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes: Cooking the onion first allows it to soften and release its natural sweetness, which helps balance the savory and spicy elements of the filling.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant: Garlic cooks quickly, so add it after the onion has softened to prevent burning. The garlic should be cooked until it becomes aromatic, adding a deep, savory flavor to the filling.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks: Browning the beef is essential for developing a rich, meaty flavor. Use a spoon to break up the beef into small pieces so that it cooks evenly and mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are well combined and fragrant: The combination of spices—cumin, paprika, and chili powder—adds warmth and complexity to the beef. Be sure to stir them in thoroughly so that the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
• Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly: Allowing the beef mixture to cool before assembling the empanadas helps prevent the dough from becoming soggy. Plus, it makes it easier to handle when filling the empanadas.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese: Once the beef mixture has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the beef will start to melt the cheese, creating a rich, gooey filling that contrasts beautifully with the crispy crust of the empanadas.

2. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper: Preheating the oven ensures that the empanadas will bake evenly and become golden brown. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough (about 4 inches in diameter): Rolling out the pie crusts and cutting them into circles creates the perfect size for individual empanadas. If you don’t have a round cutter, a glass or cup works just as well.
• Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle: Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal. A spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle is just the right amount to ensure the empanadas are packed with flavor without bursting open.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal: Folding the dough in half over the filling creates that classic empanada shape. Pressing the edges together with a fork not only seals the empanadas but also creates a decorative edge.

3. Bake the Empanadas:

• Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg: The egg wash helps the empanadas brown evenly and adds a bit of shine to the finished product. Be sure to brush the tops of the empanadas with a light coating of egg wash for the best results.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy: The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the empanadas as they bake. They should be golden brown and crispy when they’re done. The cheese inside will be melted, and the beef will be perfectly seasoned.

4. Serve:

• Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving: Letting the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving ensures that the filling won’t be too hot and allows the crust to firm up a bit. This also makes them easier to handle if you’re serving them as finger food.
• Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce: Empanadas are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a dipping sauce. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a spicy aioli for added flavor.

Tips for Success:

• Use Pre-Made Dough for Convenience: While making your own dough from scratch can be rewarding, using pre-made pie crusts is a great time-saver. Look for refrigerated pie crusts in your local grocery store, and be sure to let them come to room temperature before rolling them out. This makes them easier to work with and helps prevent cracking.
• Customize the Filling: The beauty of empanadas is that they’re highly customizable. Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding different spices, vegetables, or even other types of cheese. You can also switch up the protein—ground turkey, chicken, or even beans work well in place of beef.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Empanadas are perfect for making ahead of time and freezing for later. Assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Try Different Cooking Methods: While this recipe calls for baking the empanadas, you can also fry them for a different texture. Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels before serving to remove any excess oil.
• Serve with Sides: Empanadas make a great main dish when paired with simple sides. Serve them with a fresh salad, rice and beans, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts:

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying. With a crispy, flaky crust and a flavorful filling, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or simply as a fun and delicious snack, these empanadas are a guaranteed hit.