The moment you bite into these Beef and Cheese Empanadas, the crisp, flaky pastry shatters to reveal a molten center of seasoned beef and gooey cheese that instantly transports you to the vibrant streets of South America. The texture creates perfect pockets to catch the flavorful ingredients, transforming a simple hand pie into a culinary adventure. Unlike traditional empanadas that can be dense and heavy, this recipe promises a light, crispy exterior that gives way to a rich, savory filling that dances with complex spices and melted cheese.
Why You’ll Love These Beef and Cheese Empanadas
These empanadas solve multiple cooking challenges for home chefs seeking restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. My first batch came to life during a family gathering when I wanted to bring something unexpected to the table. My grandmother was skeptical until she tasted it and declared it a worthy twist on traditional recipes.
The magic of these Beef and Cheese Empanadas lies in their incredible versatility:
- Perfect for appetizers or main courses
- Easily transportable for picnics and potlucks
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals
- Customizable with various fillings
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Quick to prepare with maximum flavor impact
Ingredients You’ll Need
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pastry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Ingredient Notes
- Beef: Use fresh, high-quality ground beef with some fat content for juiciness
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar recommended, but can substitute with pepper jack or Mexican blend
- Substitution Options:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans and additional cheese
- Dairy-free: Use vegan cheese alternative
How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas
- Prepare the Filling In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. The aroma will transform your kitchen into a Latin American street food paradise. Drain excess fat, then add onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Season the Beef Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop deep, complex flavors. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in shredded cheese.
- Make the Pastry In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until dough forms.
- Shape the Empanadas Roll out dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of beef and cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
- Bake to Golden Perfection Brush empanadas with egg wash. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The exterior should be flaky and the cheese melted and bubbling.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño Beef Empanadas Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne to the filling
- Breakfast Empanada Twist Fill with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese
- Vegetarian Black Bean Version Replace beef with black beans, corn, and additional spices
- Mediterranean Fusion Use lamb instead of beef, add feta and mint
- Seafood Surprise Fill with shredded crab meat and cream cheese
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter cubed
- ½ cup ice-cold water
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and mix in shredded cheese.
2️⃣ Make the Pastry:
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until dough forms.
3️⃣ Shape the Empanadas:
- Roll out dough to ⅛-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Place a spoonful of beef and cheese mixture in the center of each circle.
- Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection:
- Brush empanadas with egg wash.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian: Replace beef with black beans and extra cheese.
- Dairy-Free: Use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Pair with a side salad or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent soggy empanadas? Ensure filling is not too wet and seal edges completely.
Can I freeze these empanadas? Absolutely! Freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat? Oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before using.
Are there gluten-free options? Use gluten-free flour blend and check all other ingredients.
How can I make them healthier? Use lean ground beef or turkey, add more vegetables to filling.
Final Thoughts
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are more than just a recipe—they’re a celebration of culinary tradition, innovation, and the joy of sharing food that tells a story. Each bite represents a perfect balance between crispy exterior and luscious, flavor-packed interior.
So roll up your sleeves, dust your countertop with flour, and get ready to create a dish that will become a cherished family favorite. Your kitchen is about to become a gateway to a world of delicious possibilities.