Beef & Cheese Empanadas: A Flavorful Handheld Delight
Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a beloved dish enjoyed across Latin American cuisine. These delicious hand pies feature a savory filling of seasoned beef and melted cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy pastry. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, empanadas are a comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
Whether you’re making them for a gathering or a family dinner, these homemade empanadas provide a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The flaky crust encases a rich, cheesy beef filling that guarantees a satisfying mouthfeel. Serve them with a side of chimichurri or a mild salsa for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A balance of rich beef, melty cheese, and slightly crispy pastry.
- Texture: Flaky and buttery on the outside, with a creamy and chewy center.
- Aroma: Savory with hints of seasoned meat and baked dough.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown pastry with a beautifully crimped edge.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate-level cooking, with simple techniques like filling, folding, and sealing.
- Special Equipment: Rolling pin, pastry cutter, baking sheet or frying pan.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Medium – requires dough handling and proper sealing techniques.
- Category: Appetizer, snack, or main dish.
- Cuisine: Latin American, with Argentine, Puerto Rican, and Mexican variations.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using simple and accessible ingredients.
- Season: Ideal for year-round meals but especially comforting in colder months.
- Occasion: Great for parties, snack platters, and quick dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food, bringing a perfect balance of flavor and convenience. The crispy, golden crust contrasts beautifully with the juicy, cheesy beef filling, making them irresistible to both kids and adults.
They are easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a fantastic choice for meal prepping. You can freeze them before baking and pop them into the oven whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Not only are they delicious, but they also provide a good amount of protein and energy. Pair them with a fresh salad or vegetable sides for a well-rounded meal.
They make excellent party finger foods, allowing guests to enjoy them hot or at room temperature while mingling. Dipping them in zesty sauces enhances their flavor even more.
Additionally, this recipe is budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples like ground beef, cheese, and flour. You can even customize the filling according to your taste or dietary preference.
The Recipe
Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Serves: 12 empanadas
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter or knife
- Skillet
- Baking sheet or frying pan
- Fork (for crimping)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef, seasoning, and cook until browned. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a pastry cutter or small bowl.
- Assemble the empanadas: Spoon beef filling onto each circle, fold into a half-moon, and pinch the edges. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
- Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden, or fry in oil until crispy.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Recipe Notes
- Make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- You can use store-bought empanada discs if short on time.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick!
