Beef & Cheese Empanadas

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky empanada filled with savory goodness. These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a perfect blend of seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and golden pastry, making them an irresistible snack or meal. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual family dinner, a party appetizer, or a lunchbox treat, these empanadas are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love These Empanadas

Empanadas are a versatile and delightful dish that can be adapted to suit any occasion or taste preference. This particular recipe combines the bold flavors of spiced ground beef with the creamy richness of cheese, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as appetizers, finger food for gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
• Customizable Filling: While this recipe features beef and cheese, you can easily add vegetables, beans, or swap the beef for chicken or turkey.
• Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and pastry in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create these irresistible Beef & Cheese Empanadas!

Ingredients for Beef & Cheese Empanadas

To make these delicious Beef & Cheese Empanadas, you’ll need a combination of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create a truly satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Empanada Dough: Use store-bought empanada dough rounds or make your own from scratch for a more homemade touch. The dough should be pliable and easy to fold.
• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a flavorful filling without excessive grease.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives the filling a rich, savory aroma.
• Spices: Use a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder for a bold, well-seasoned filling. Adjust the spices to your preferred level of heat.
• Tomato Paste: A tablespoon of tomato paste adds a tangy richness to the filling and binds the ingredients together.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese works perfectly, adding a gooey, melted layer to the empanadas.
• Egg Wash: A beaten egg brushed over the dough ensures a golden, glossy finish after baking.

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How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Crafting these empanadas is a straightforward process, and the results are well worth the effort. Follow these steps to bring them to life:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2:
Prepare the filling. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 3:
Season the beef mixture with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 4:
Roll out the empanada dough rounds if needed. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each round, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Be careful not to overfill.

Step 5:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly and crimp with a fork to seal. Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6:
Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden crust.

Step 7:
Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

These empanadas are best enjoyed warm but can also be stored and reheated for later. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri!

How Long to Bake Empanadas

The baking time for empanadas can vary depending on their size and the thickness of the dough. Here’s a general guideline to ensure they’re perfectly golden and cooked through:

• Small Empanadas: Bake for 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Medium Empanadas: Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Large Empanadas: Bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know the empanadas are ready when the crust is golden brown and crisp, and the filling is heated through.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover empanadas, don’t worry—they store well and are just as tasty when reheated! Follow these tips for the best results:

• Refrigerator: Place leftover empanadas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at a low temperature to preserve the crispy crust.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked empanadas. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Empanadas

Here are some tips to ensure your Beef & Cheese Empanadas turn out flawlessly every time:

• Avoid Overfilling: Overfilling can cause the dough to tear or leak during baking. Use just enough filling to keep the empanadas closed securely.
• Seal Well: Make sure to press the edges firmly and crimp with a fork to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
• Experiment with Fillings: While beef and cheese are classic, feel free to get creative. Try adding chopped olives, hard-boiled eggs, or sautéed veggies to the filling.
• Serve with Dips: Enhance the flavor by serving the empanadas with dips like salsa, guacamole, or a creamy aioli.
• Make Them Ahead: Prep the filling and assemble the empanadas in advance. Store them uncooked in the fridge or freezer, then bake when ready.

With these tips in mind, you’re guaranteed delicious, golden empanadas every time!

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