If you are looking for a savory snack that packs a punch with every bite, this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These golden pockets are filled with juicy, seasoned ground beef and a melty combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses that create an irresistible flavor harmony. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or a satisfying meal, these empanadas bring a festive flair straight from Latin American kitchens, promising crispy crusts with warm, cheesy goodness inside. Trust me, once you try this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe, it may just become your go-to comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating those rich, balanced flavors and the perfect texture. From aromatics like onion and garlic to spices that bring warmth, every element enhances the final dish.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, adds smoothness and richness.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Infuse a subtle, savory punch.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): The hearty star protein that carries all the flavors.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly smoky aroma.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle smokiness and color.
- Chili powder (1/4 teaspoon): Injects just a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the filling.
- Tomato sauce (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle tang.
- Chopped green olives (1/4 cup, optional): Contribute a briny contrast that brightens the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): For melty sharpness and vibrant color.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Offers mild creaminess to balance cheddar’s sharpness.
- Refrigerated empanada dough discs (or pie crust cut into rounds): The flaky, crisp exterior that holds all the goodness.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Gives the empanadas a beautiful golden finish.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This step lets the onion’s natural sweetness gently develop, setting the flavor foundation. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds to release its fragrance without letting it burn. Now it’s time for the star of the filling: ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly and absorbs all those savory notes.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness. Then sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. These spices not only add warmth but also create layers of flavor that make this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe so memorable. Stir in the tomato sauce and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes; this thickens the mixture slightly and works wonders to marry those vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool just enough so it won’t melt the cheese immediately when combined. Stir in the chopped green olives if you’re using them—their salty tang gives the filling an exciting burst—and then fold in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This creates a luscious, cheesy blend that perfectly complements the spiced beef.
Step 4: Assemble the Empanadas
Lay out your empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each disc, being careful not to overfill so they seal properly. Fold the dough over to make a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges, giving the empanadas a classic look while ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the prepared empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash—this little trick gives them a stunning golden brown and an inviting shine. Pop them into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until crisp and beautifully browned. Let them cool slightly before serving so you can savor every delicious bite without burning your tongue.
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of finely diced green onions add a vibrant freshness and pop of color that livens up your serving platter. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of tangy chimichurri sauce can elevate each bite even further, complementing the rich filling with a cool, herbal zing.
Side Dishes
These empanadas shine best when paired with light and refreshing sides such as a crisp avocado salad or a zesty tomato and cucumber salad. You can also offer traditional Latin American companions like black beans or rice to round out the meal and keep the flavors balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these empanadas family-style on a large wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—think spicy salsa, creamy guacamole, and tangy sour cream. They also make fantastic party finger foods, so consider stacking a platter with colorful garnishes, letting guests mix and match to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover empanadas are a real treat to have on hand! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven to regenerate that lovely crispness on the outside.
Freezing
This Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is perfect for freezing. Assemble the empanadas but do not bake them. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe container or bag—this way, you can bake fresh empanadas straight from the freezer whenever you want!
Reheating
To reheat frozen or refrigerated empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place them on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack provide great flavor and meltability, you can substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Is it necessary to use empanada dough discs or can I use regular pie crust?
Using refrigerated empanada dough discs is convenient, but regular pie crust cut into roughly 5-inch rounds works wonderfully as well. Just keep an eye on baking time since pie crusts might brown faster.
Can I make these empanadas vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef with cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian alternative without losing any flavor.
How spicy are these empanadas?
The chili powder adds a gentle warmth, but overall, this recipe is mild and can be adjusted by increasing the chili powder or adding jalapeños if you want more heat.
What’s the best way to prevent the empanadas from leaking during baking?
Make sure not to overfill the dough discs and seal the edges well by pressing with a fork. Chilling the assembled empanadas for a few minutes before baking can also help maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe a try because it brings together the cozy, cheesy comfort and vibrant spices that make every bite worth savoring. Perfect for family dinners, casual parties, or anytime you want a homemade treat that feels special—these empanadas never fail to impress and satisfy. Once you taste that crispy crust enveloping warm, flavorful filling, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved dish!
Print
Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
These delicious Beef and Cheese Empanadas feature a savory ground beef filling mixed with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all wrapped in a flaky dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty main course or a flavorful snack, these empanadas blend classic Latin American spices with rich cheese for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Dough & Assembly
- 1 package refrigerated empanada dough discs (or use pie crust cut into 5-inch rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the empanadas.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
- Add Cheese and Olives: Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, fold in the chopped green olives (if using) and both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until well combined.
- Fill Dough Discs: Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are well sealed.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dips like salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with mozzarella or pepper jack to vary the flavor.
- Serve these empanadas with salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri sauce for extra taste.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush the empanadas with egg wash twice before baking.
- If green olives are not preferred, they can be omitted or replaced with diced bell peppers for color and flavor.
