There’s just something special about biting into a golden, flaky hand pie and discovering a meltingly savory filling inside—especially when it’s Beef & Cheese Empanadas. These little parcels absolutely steal the show at parties or family dinners, with a perfect balance of spiced ground beef and gooey cheese wrapped in a crisp, buttery crust. Not only are they irresistibly delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make at home. If you’re ready to upgrade your snacking game or wow your dinner guests, this is the comfort food recipe you’ll return to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Beef & Cheese Empanadas comes down to just a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each item on this list is chosen for its power to build taste, contribute texture, or add an appealing pop of color—so don’t skip the details!
- Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic for a fragrant base.
- Ground Beef: The backbone of these empanadas—juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and a touch of bite.
- Garlic: Just two cloves cranked up the flavor—don’t be tempted to leave them out!
- Ground Cumin: Adds lovely warmth and earthiness to the beef mixture.
- Smoked Paprika: For that smoky depth that keeps you coming back for another bite.
- Chili Powder: Gives a gentle kick to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for rounding out and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Tomato Sauce: Lends moisture and a little sweetness, binding the filling beautifully.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Choose your favorite for melty goodness—try Pepper Jack for a spicy twist!
- Empanada Dough Discs (or homemade pie dough): Ready-made or homemade, just be sure to cut them into 5-inch rounds for perfect hand pies.
- Egg (beaten, for egg wash): Brushed on top for a gorgeous, golden finish in the oven.
How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you’ve got everything ready. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure and mix your spices. If using homemade pie dough, roll and cut it into 5-inch rounds. Having everything prepped will make the process smooth and enjoyable, plus you’ll feel like a pro in your own kitchen!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your skillet over medium heat and add that generous tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion first, letting it soften for a couple of minutes—then toss in the garlic. The kitchen will smell heavenly! This step sets up the flavor foundation for your Beef & Cheese Empanadas, so take your time and let those aromatics get nicely golden.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next up: add your ground beef, using a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. In about 5 to 6 minutes, it should be fully browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat in the pan, just drain it off carefully. This gives you a hearty base without greasiness, so the filling stays rich but not heavy.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Toss in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and don’t forget your salt and pepper! Stir well so every bite gets seasoned. Pour in the tomato sauce and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for 2 or 3 minutes. This ensures the filling is juicy and full of flavor—with just enough sauce to hold everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Take the pan off the heat and let the beef filling cool for a few minutes—this way, the cheese won’t melt out of control before the empanadas even hit the oven. Stir in the shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack if you want a little attitude), and get ready to assemble!
Step 6: Fill and Shape the Empanadas
Spoon about two tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each dough round. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a neat half-moon. Press the edges with your fingers, then crimp securely with a fork. The crimp not only looks lovely, but it also helps prevent any tasty filling from escaping during baking.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Carefully transfer your empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each one with beaten egg for that irresistible golden sheen once baked. Pop them into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden, crisp, and calling your name.
How to Serve Beef & Cheese Empanadas
Garnishes
Liven up your Beef & Cheese Empanadas with a smattering of fresh garnishes. Scatter some chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for a burst of color, and keep a bowl of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side for delicious dipping. A sprinkle of sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce can also add a fun kick!
Side Dishes
Empanadas are delightful with simple sides like a zesty tomato salad or a crisp slaw. Consider pairing them with roasted sweet potatoes, Mexican rice, or a light bean salad to round out the meal. Even just a platter of fresh veggies and your favorite dips will make this dish shine at the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try making a mini version of your Beef & Cheese Empanadas and arrange them on a wooden board with assorted sauces. Or, stack them tall on a colorful plate with lime wedges and jalapeño slices for a vibrant, shareable centerpiece. If you’re serving little ones, tuck them into lunchboxes (they’re just as tasty at room temp!) for a happy surprise at midday.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing. Pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’ll stay crisp on the edges and flavorful through and through.
Freezing
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it freezes! Assemble your Beef & Cheese Empanadas but don’t bake them—simply freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen by adding 5 to 7 minutes to the cooking time. Instant homemade comfort food whenever you want it!
Reheating
To get that irresistible crisp back, reheat the empanadas in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes (or up to 15 minutes from frozen). You can microwave in a pinch, but the crust will soften—in the oven, they’ll emerge hot and golden, just like fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I make Beef & Cheese Empanadas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge until ready to bake. They’re also perfect for freezing before baking for even longer storage.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicier pepper jack all work beautifully. A little bit of queso fresco or crumbled feta can also add a unique twist.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well. Just adjust seasoning as needed since other proteins can have subtler flavors than beef.
Are Beef & Cheese Empanadas good for parties?
They’re a total hit at parties! Make them mini for a bite-sized crowd-pleaser or put out a big platter with lots of dips so everyone can help themselves.
Can I fry Beef & Cheese Empanadas instead of baking?
You sure can! Just make sure the edges are tightly sealed, and fry in hot oil until golden. They’ll be extra crispy and indulgent, but a touch messier—so have some napkins handy!
Final Thoughts
I hope you dive right in and give these Beef & Cheese Empanadas a try. They’re a festive, flavor-packed treat that turns any day into a celebration—perfect for sharing, but so good you just might want them all to yourself!
Print
Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are savory hand pies filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Perfect for snacking or as a main dish, these empanadas are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
For the Empanadas:
- 1 package empanada dough discs (or homemade pie dough cut into 5-inch rounds)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Let cool and mix in shredded cheese.
- Assemble Empanadas: Place beef mixture on each dough disc, fold over, and seal edges. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
- Freeze assembled, unbaked empanadas for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
- Use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
