Beef & Cheese Empanadas: Savory Indulgence
If you love savoring rich, cheesy goodness wrapped in a crisp pastry, then these Beef & Cheese Empanadas are calling your name. These delightful parcels of flavor are perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight treat.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Cost: $$
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Beef & Cheese Empanadas offer a delicious blend of perfectly seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese. These empanadas are versatile, great for parties, snacks, or even a hearty family dinner. With their flaky pastry and flavorful filling, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Context/Background
Empanadas have a rich history in Latin American cuisine, drawing inspiration from Spanish culinary traditions. Originally filled with various ingredients native to their regions, these pastries have become a global favorite for their ease of preparation and ability to be adapted to local tastes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the pastry, which can lead to leaks during baking.
- Not sealing the edges properly, causing the filling to spill out.
- Skipping the egg wash, which gives a beautiful golden finish.
Tips for Perfect Beef & Cheese Empanadas
- Ensure the beef filling is not too hot when adding cheese to prevent it from melting too early.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
- Chill the empanadas for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.
- Add chopped olives or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
- Try using ground turkey or chicken as a lighter meat option.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your empanadas with a fresh green salad or a zesty tomato salsa for a balanced meal. They also make an excellent companion to a bowl of hearty soup on chilly evenings.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate. Assemble the empanadas and store them in the freezer, baking them straight from frozen with an added 5 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Dietary Notes
- Contains dairy and gluten.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pastry sheets.
The Recipe
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Circular cutter or knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sheets puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the beef. Sauté until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool a bit. Add shredded cheese and combine.
- Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture on each circle, fold and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with a beaten egg.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili powder to the beef mixture.
- Ensure the pastry remains chilled to avoid it becoming too sticky to handle.
Community Tips and Photos
Share your experience with this recipe! Tag us using #BeefCheeseEmpanadas on social media.
Questions and Answers
- Can I freeze these empanadas? Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen with an additional 5 minutes baking time.
- What can I serve with empanadas? They’re delicious with a simple salad or salsa on the side.