Beef and Cheese Empanadas
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry.
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
Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 12gFat: 15g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!