Beef Cheese Empanadas: 7 Creative Ways to Savor This Delightful Dish

Making Perfect Beef Cheese Empanadas

Homemade beef and cheese empanadas offer a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a perfectly crisp, golden crust. This recipe demystifies the process, guiding you through each step to ensure a successful and delicious outcome. You’ll achieve that ideal balance of texture and taste, making every bite memorable and impressive for family and friends. Get ready to master these savory pastries!

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll quickly fall in love with this recipe for several compelling reasons. It brings a universally appealing classic comfort food right to your table. The irresistible combination of savory beef and melty cheese encased in flaky pastry is a winner every time. Our detailed steps make the entire process approachable, even for novice cooks, ensuring you bake with confidence. Furthermore, these empanadas are incredibly versatile, serving wonderfully as appetizers, a main course, or a convenient portable snack. They are also an excellent make-ahead option, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. This recipe provides a fulfilling culinary experience, much like preparing a satisfying main course such as easy honey garlic chicken for dinner, culminating in a dish that tastes truly special and homemade.

Quick recipe overview

Our journey to perfect beef cheese empanadas starts by crafting a rich, savory ground beef filling, expertly seasoned with aromatic vegetables and spices. After cooking and cooling, this delicious filling is combined with your chosen cheese blend. The next stage involves the careful assembly: preparing the dough circles, portioning the filling precisely, and expertly sealing each empanada to ensure no delicious contents escape during baking. The final touch is a simple egg wash to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish, followed by baking them to crispy perfection in the oven. This straightforward approach guarantees mouth-watering results every single time.

Ingredients for Your Tasty Empanadas

Crafting exceptional beef cheese empanadas begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the deep, savory flavors and desirable textures of this beloved pastry. From the quality of your ground beef to the type of cheese and the readiness of your dough, attention to detail here will significantly impact the final taste and experience. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures that your empanadas burst with flavor and maintain their structure throughout the cooking process.

Meat and dairy components

For the heart of your empanadas, you’ll need ground beef, preferably an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, which provides enough flavor without being overly greasy. Good quality beef forms the foundation of our savory filling. As for the dairy, cheese is key! A blend of shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend works wonderfully, offering a creamy, melty interior that perfectly complements the beef. Mozzarella is also a great option for its excellent meltability. You’ll also need a couple of eggs, primarily for the egg wash, which contributes to that beautiful golden-brown crust. Remember to opt for fresh, quality dairy for the best results in terms of taste and texture. High-quality beef and flavorful cheese are what make these empanadas truly stand out.

Vegetables and spices needed

Aromatic vegetables and a thoughtful selection of spices are what elevate the beef filling from good to extraordinary. You’ll want a finely diced onion and minced garlic to provide a fragrant base, along with a bell pepper (red or green) for a touch of sweetness and color. As for spices, a balanced mix of cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika will infuse the beef with classic, warm flavors. Salt and freshly ground black pepper are, of course, essential for seasoning to taste. For a subtle hint of acidity and richness, a tablespoon of tomato paste can be added. These ingredients create a complex flavor profile that makes the filling incredibly delicious and savory.

Dough and finishing touches

The empanada dough is crucial for encapsulating all that deliciousness. You have a few options here: store-bought empanada discs or pastry dough are convenient and work perfectly. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pie crust dough can also be adapted. Ensure your dough is cold before working with it for easier handling. For finishing touches, you’ll need a single egg for the egg wash, which is beaten with a splash of water or milk. This wash isn’t just for shine; it also helps seal the edges and encourages that desirable golden-brown color during baking. A light dusting of flour for your work surface is also helpful to prevent sticking. The right dough provides the perfect casing, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of these delightful empanadas.

Making the Flavorful Beef Empanada Filling

The heart and soul of your beef cheese empanadas lie in their filling. A well-prepared filling is not just about taste; it’s also about texture and consistency. It needs to be savory, moist, but not watery, and perfectly seasoned to complement the cheese and dough. Taking your time with this step will pay dividends in the final product. We aim for a filling that holds its shape when scooped into the dough, ensuring easy assembly and preventing any blowouts during baking. The layers of flavor from the beef, aromatics, and spices will create a truly memorable experience for your taste buds.

Cooking the ground beef

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it crumbles evenly. Cook until all the pink is gone and the beef is nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat. This prevents the filling from becoming greasy, which could lead to soggy empanadas later on. A lean ground beef minimizes this step, but even with leaner options, a quick drain is often beneficial. Thoroughly browning also adds a caramelized depth that forms the backbone of the filling’s savory profile.

Adding aromatics and spices

Once the beef is browned and drained, it’s time to infuse it with incredible flavor. Reduce the heat to medium. Add your finely diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in your chosen spices: cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika. Stir them into the beef and vegetable mixture, allowing them to toast slightly for about 30 seconds. This step awakens their flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. A small amount of beef broth can be added at this stage if the mixture seems too dry, creating a more cohesive and moist filling.

Cooling and mixing the cheese

After your beef filling is perfectly seasoned, it’s absolutely vital to let it cool completely. Attempting to fill empanadas with hot or warm filling will melt the cheese prematurely, making assembly difficult and potentially leading to a soggy crust. Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a shallow dish or baking sheet and spread it out to cool faster. Once it has reached room temperature, you can gently fold in your shredded cheese blend. Mixing the cheese in when the filling is cool helps it stay distinct until baking, ensuring pockets of gooey melted cheese in every bite. This combination of savory beef and creamy cheese creates the quintessential empanada experience.

How to Assemble Your Empanadas Easily

Assembling empanadas can seem like a meticulous task, but with the right technique, it becomes a smooth and enjoyable process. This stage is where all your delicious ingredients come together to form the perfect handheld pastry. Attention to detail in preparing the dough, portioning the filling, and sealing the edges will ensure your empanadas look beautiful and hold together during baking. Don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect; practice makes progress, and the taste will still be incredible.

Preparing the empanada dough

If using store-bought empanada discs, ensure they are thawed but still cold. Keeping the dough cold is key to preventing stickiness and making it easier to handle. If you’re using a block of pastry dough or homemade dough, roll it out evenly to about 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to create individual dough circles. Gather and re-roll any scraps to make more circles until all the dough is used. Arrange your dough circles on parchment paper or a lightly floured tray, ensuring they are ready for filling. This preparation step sets the foundation for easy and efficient assembly, much like prepping ingredients for any main course meal.

Filling each dough circle

Now comes the delicious part! Take one dough circle and place about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the cooled beef and cheese filling slightly off-center, leaving a border around the edge. Avoid overfilling, as this can make sealing difficult and may cause the empanadas to burst open during baking. The goal is to have enough filling to be satisfying without compromising the integrity of the pastry. Distribute the filling evenly, forming a slight mound rather than spreading it thin. This concentrated center of deliciousness will ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Sealing and shaping tips

Once filled, gently fold one side of the dough over the filling to meet the other edge, forming a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers to seal them, ensuring no gaps. For a more decorative and secure seal, you can use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a classic empanada pattern. Another traditional method is the “repulgue” or rolling technique, where you fold and pinch the edge over itself to create a braided seal. Whichever method you choose, ensure the seal is robust. A good seal is crucial to keep the savory filling locked inside, preventing leakage and ensuring a perfectly contained, delicious pastry during baking.

Baking Golden Brown Beef Cheese Empanadas

Baking is the final magical step that transforms your assembled empanadas into golden, crispy parcels of deliciousness. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that’s flaky and tender, while the filling heats through and the cheese melts perfectly. Proper oven temperature and technique are vital to prevent soggy bottoms or undercooked interiors. This section guides you through the process of baking your empanadas to perfection, ensuring they come out of the oven looking as good as they taste.

Preheating the oven correctly

Always start with a properly preheated oven. For empanadas, a temperature of 375°F (190°C) to 400°F (200°C) is ideal. Make sure your oven reaches and maintains this temperature before you place the empanadas inside. Preheating for at least 15-20 minutes after the oven indicates it’s ready helps ensure an even temperature throughout the baking chamber. Baking in a hot oven allows the dough to crisp up quickly, creating that desirable flaky texture and helping to prevent the dreaded soggy bottom. Use an oven thermometer if you suspect your oven’s thermostat might be inaccurate, as oven temperatures can vary.

Applying the egg wash

Before baking, an egg wash is your secret weapon for a beautiful golden finish. Whisk one egg with a tablespoon of water or milk until well combined. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top surface of each empanada with a thin, even layer of this egg wash. The egg wash not only provides a lovely sheen and rich color but also aids in sealing the dough edges further and promotes an even browning across the entire surface of the pastry. Avoid applying too much, as excess egg wash can drip and burn on the baking sheet, affecting the final appearance and taste.

Knowing when they are done

Bake the empanadas for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and appear crisp. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your empanadas. Keep an eye on them during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning. You’ll know they are done when the crust is visibly golden and firm to the touch, and the filling is hot. If you gently press on the crust, it should feel crisp, not soft. Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the filling set and prevents burns.

Top Tips for Empanada Perfection

Achieving truly perfect beef cheese empanadas involves a few key techniques that go beyond just following the recipe. These tips address common challenges and help you refine your baking process, ensuring every empanada comes out golden, crispy, and perfectly sealed. Mastering these small details can make a significant difference in the overall quality and enjoyment of your homemade pastries. From preventing unwanted sogginess to ensuring a beautiful appearance, these insights will elevate your empanada-making skills to the next level, resulting in a product as satisfying as a perfectly executed crispy parmesan chicken.

Preventing soggy dough

Soggy empanadas are a common complaint, but easily preventable. The main culprit is excess moisture in the filling. Ensure your ground beef filling is thoroughly drained of fat after cooking. Also, make sure the filling is completely cooled before you mix in the cheese and assemble the empanadas. Warm filling can release steam that makes the dough soggy. Furthermore, avoid overfilling your empanadas; too much filling can cause pressure and moisture build-up. Baking on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone can also help crisp up the bottom crust, providing a barrier against moisture and achieving that desirable crispness.

Achieving a golden finish

For that irresistible golden-brown crust, the egg wash is your best friend. A well-whisked egg with a touch of water or milk brushed evenly over the empanadas before baking will give them a beautiful sheen and rich color. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature, as a hot oven allows for quicker browning. If your empanadas are browning too quickly, you can slightly lower the oven temperature or tent them loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking. For an even more professional look, consider adding a pinch of sugar to your egg wash, which enhances caramelization.

Sealing edges firmly

A firmly sealed edge is paramount to keeping your delicious filling intact during baking. After folding the dough over, press the edges together with your fingers, then use a fork to crimp them securely. For extra security, you can slightly moisten the edge of the dough with a little water before pressing. If you’re using the traditional repulgue technique, ensure each fold is tightly pinched. Loose seals can lead to filling spilling out, creating a messy baking sheet and less appealing empanadas. Take your time with this step; a secure seal guarantees a perfect, neat pastry that holds its shape beautifully.

Serving Your Beef Cheese Empanadas Creatively

Beef cheese empanadas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the entire dining experience. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party or as a main course for dinner, thoughtful pairings can enhance their rich flavors and add an extra layer of enjoyment. Think about contrasting textures and flavors—something fresh and vibrant to cut through the richness of the empanadas. This section offers ideas to creatively present your homemade delights, making them even more appealing to your guests and family.

Best dipping sauce pairings

Dipping sauces offer a wonderful opportunity to add an extra layer of flavor. A classic choice is a vibrant chimichurri, with its fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar, providing a zesty counterpoint to the savory beef. A creamy avocado crema or a simple sour cream mixed with a squeeze of lime juice can also offer a cool, tangy contrast. For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy salsa or a smoky chipotle aioli would be fantastic. Even a basic ketchup or a sweet chili sauce can work well for different preferences. Offer a few options on the side to allow everyone to customize their experience and find their favorite combination, or check out our Pinterest for more inspiration.

Pairing with a simple side dish

To make your beef cheese empanadas a complete meal, consider pairing them with a simple yet complementary side dish. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice, providing a refreshing crunch and acidity that balances the richness of the empanadas. Another great option is a simple rice pilaf or cilantro lime rice, which adds substance without overpowering the main attraction. For a heartier meal, black beans or refried beans can round out the plate. Keep the side dishes light and fresh to let the empanadas truly shine as the star of your culinary presentation, offering a balanced and satisfying meal.

Delicious Flavor Twists for Empanadas

While the classic beef cheese empanada is undeniably delicious, there’s always room for culinary creativity and personalizing the flavors. Experimenting with different ingredients can lead to exciting new taste sensations and ensure your empanadas never get boring. These twists allow you to adapt the recipe to suit various palates, dietary preferences, or simply to use up ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the traditional; your kitchen is a playground for flavors, and empanadas are incredibly forgiving when it comes to customization.

Adding a spicy kick

For those who love a bit of heat, incorporating a spicy kick into your empanadas is simple and incredibly satisfying. You can add finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef filling along with the aromatics. For a milder, smoky heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Cholula) can be stirred into the cooked filling. Another option is to use a spicy cheese blend or mix in some pepper jack cheese with your other dairy components. The heat adds another dimension of flavor, making each bite more exciting and creating a truly vibrant pastry that tantalizes the taste buds.

Exploring different cheese blends

While cheddar and Monterey Jack are popular choices, the world of cheese offers endless possibilities for your empanadas. Consider a smoky provolone for a depth of flavor, or a sharp white cheddar for a tangier profile. A touch of cream cheese can add an extra layer of creaminess, while a blend of Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or Asadero can bring authentic regional flavors. You could even try a small amount of crumbled blue cheese for a bold, distinctive taste if you’re feeling adventurous. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect melty, gooey interior that complements the rich beef filling.

Trying new spices

Beyond the traditional cumin and chili powder, a wide array of spices can transform your beef filling. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, earthier flavor, or a dash of allspice or cloves for a subtle, warming note. A touch of coriander can bring a bright, citrusy undertone, while a bay leaf cooked with the beef and then removed can impart a gentle herbal complexity. Feel free to adjust the ratios of existing spices or introduce new ones that appeal to your palate, such as a hint of ancho chili powder for more depth. Small additions can create significant shifts in flavor, personalizing your empanada experience.

Prep Ahead: Freezing Beef Cheese Empanadas

One of the many advantages of making beef cheese empanadas is their excellent freezer-friendliness. Preparing a large batch and freezing some for later is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade comfort food on busy days without the full cooking effort. This make-ahead strategy ensures you always have a delicious meal or snack ready to go, making your culinary life much easier. Freezing them properly preserves their taste and texture, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness whenever the craving strikes, much like batch-cooking other favorites from Carina Recipes.

Freezing uncooked empanadas

To freeze uncooked empanadas, first assemble them completely, including the egg wash, but do not bake them. Place the assembled empanadas in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. Once frozen solid, transfer the individual empanadas to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to grab just a few at a time. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without losing quality. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking of your delicious future meals.

Baking from frozen instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen empanadas, there’s no need to thaw them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen empanadas directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You might want to brush them with a fresh egg wash if the original one seems dull from freezing, though it’s not strictly necessary. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through. The baking time will be slightly longer than for fresh empanadas, so adjust accordingly. Always ensure the internal temperature of the filling reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer. This method allows for a quick and convenient meal anytime.

Ideas for Leftover Empanada Filling

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might find yourself with a bit of leftover beef cheese empanada filling. Instead of letting it go to waste, this flavorful mixture is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed into a variety of delicious and quick meals. Its seasoned, savory profile makes it an excellent base for other dishes, offering an effortless way to extend your culinary creativity and minimize food waste. These ideas ensure that every bit of that wonderful filling finds a new, exciting purpose in your kitchen, transforming it into new delights, perhaps as adaptable as our ground turkey and peppers recipe.

Turning it into quick tacos

Leftover empanada filling makes for a fantastic and speedy taco night. Simply reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Warm up some corn or flour tortillas according to package directions, and then load them up with the savory beef and cheese mixture. You can then customize your tacos with your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This transforms your leftover filling into a whole new meal in minutes, providing a fresh take on a familiar flavor profile that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual lunch.

Using as a topping for nachos

Another excellent way to utilize leftover empanada filling is as a topping for irresistible nachos. Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Spoon the reheated beef and cheese filling evenly over the chips, ensuring good coverage. Add extra shredded cheese if desired for ultimate cheesiness. Pop the baking sheet into a preheated oven or under the broiler for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are slightly crisp. Once out of the oven, garnish your nachos with classic toppings like sliced jalapeños, black olives, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream and salsa. This creates a hearty and flavorful appetizer or a fun, informal meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Reviewing Empanada Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your beef cheese empanadas can be helpful, especially if you’re tracking your intake or mindful of your diet. While these pastries are a delicious comfort food, knowing their typical nutritional breakdown allows for informed enjoyment. The exact values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the lean-to-fat ratio of the ground beef, the type of cheese, and the dough recipe. However, we can provide a general overview to give you an idea of what to expect from a serving of these savory delights, helping you to fit them into a balanced eating plan.

Calories and protein per serving

A single beef cheese empanada typically contains between 250-400 calories, depending on its size and the richness of the ingredients. The ground beef and cheese contribute significantly to the calorie count, but they also make empanadas a good source of protein. Expect to find approximately 15-25 grams of protein per serving, making them quite filling and satisfying. This protein content makes empanadas a substantial snack or a satisfying component of a larger meal, providing essential macronutrients for energy and muscle maintenance. The protein also helps with satiety, keeping you fuller for longer throughout the day.

Fat and carbohydrate breakdown

Empanadas will also contain a notable amount of fat, primarily from the ground beef and cheese, as well as the dough. A single serving can have anywhere from 15-25 grams of fat, with a portion of that being saturated fat, depending on ingredient choices. Carbohydrates primarily come from the dough, with each empanada containing roughly 20-30 grams of carbohydrates. While these numbers can seem high, moderation is key. Empanadas offer a balance of macronutrients that can be part of a varied diet. Consider portion control and pairing them with lighter sides like a fresh salad to maintain a balanced intake and enjoy them responsibly.

Common Empanada Questions Answered

When venturing into making a new recipe, especially one with a few steps like empanadas, it’s natural to have questions. From cooking methods to storage, clarity can make all the difference in achieving success and confidence in the kitchen. This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about beef cheese empanadas, providing practical answers to help you troubleshoot common issues and ensure you get the most out of your homemade pastries. Having these answers at your fingertips will streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Can I fry these instead?

Absolutely, you can fry beef cheese empanadas instead of baking them! Frying will give them an even crispier, often bubblier crust, which is a traditional method in many cuisines for pastry-based dishes. To fry, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few empanadas into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. The result is a delicious, indulgent treat with a different textural profile.

How long do they last?

Baked beef cheese empanadas, when stored properly, can last for a few days. Once cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but it may result in a softer crust. For longer storage, you can freeze baked empanadas (after they are fully cooled) in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until heated through and crispy. Always ensure they are thoroughly cooked and handled properly for food safety.