Beef and Cheese Empanadas: Flaky Handheld Delights Packed with Savory Goodness
These golden-brown Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate handheld comfort food, featuring a flaky pastry crust enveloping a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, snacks, or meals on the go, these Latin American-inspired treats deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.
The magic of these empanadas lies in the contrast between textures – the crisp exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful filling that combines aromatic spices with gooey cheese. Whether served as appetizers at your next gathering or packed for lunch, these beef and cheese empanadas are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and creamy melted cheese creates a satisfying umami experience with subtle heat from the spices.
- Texture: The flaky, buttery pastry contrasts beautifully with the tender beef filling and gooey cheese interior for a perfect mouthfeel.
- Aroma: Warm spices like cumin and paprika mingle with sautéed onions and garlic to create an irresistible kitchen fragrance while cooking.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown half-moon shapes with crimped edges make these empanadas as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Skill Level Needed: While beginners can achieve good results, perfect crimping and dough handling benefit from some kitchen experience.
- Special Equipment: A rolling pin and pastry brush are essential, while an empanada press can simplify shaping.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: Rated intermediate due to the dough handling and shaping techniques required, but clear instructions make it accessible for motivated beginners.
- Category: Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or light meals – versatile for any eating occasion.
- Cuisine: Rooted in Latin American culinary traditions with influences from Spanish, Argentine, and Mexican cooking styles.
- Cost: Budget-friendly using common pantry staples, with ground beef as the primary expense.
- Season: Excellent year-round, but particularly satisfying during cooler months when warm, hearty snacks are most appealing.
- Occasion: Ideal for game days, potlucks, picnics, or as make-ahead freezer meals for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
The irresistible combination of flavors in these beef and cheese empanadas makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The savory ground beef filling, seasoned with a blend of warm spices, pairs perfectly with the creamy melted cheese. Each bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the crisp pastry exterior and the juicy interior filling.
Beyond their delicious taste, these empanadas offer incredible convenience. They’re perfect for meal prep – make a large batch and freeze uncooked empanadas for future quick meals. They reheat beautifully, maintaining their texture and flavor, making them ideal for busy households.
Nutritionally, these handheld treats offer a balanced combination of protein from the beef and cheese, carbohydrates from the pastry, and essential nutrients from the vegetable additions. By controlling the ingredients, you can create a healthier version than store-bought alternatives.
For entertaining, few appetizers are as universally loved as these beef and cheese empanadas. Their individual portions make serving effortless, and they accommodate various dietary preferences when you offer different fillings. The beautiful presentation with crimped edges makes them look professionally made.
Cost-effectiveness is another major advantage. Using affordable ground beef and basic pantry staples, you can create impressive appetizers or meals for a fraction of restaurant prices. The recipe scales beautifully for large gatherings without significantly increasing preparation time.
The Recipe
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Serves: 12 empanadas
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Empanada press or fork (for sealing)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼-⅓ cup ice water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare filling: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.
- Season beef with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then stir in parsley. Let cool slightly before mixing in cheese.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Roll out dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles.
- Place 2-3 tbsp filling on one half of each circle. Fold dough over and crimp edges with a fork or your fingers to seal.
- Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For extra flaky crust, keep all ingredients cold and handle dough minimally.
- Filling can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Unbaked empanadas freeze well – place on tray until firm, then transfer to bags.
- Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen.
