Print

Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Print Recipe

Crispy, cheesy Beef and Cheese Empanadas featuring tender ground beef and gooey melted cheese wrapped in a golden flaky crust. Quick to prepare, versatile in flavors, and perfect for snacks, appetizers, or meals, these empanadas offer a delicious, comforting bite that’s sure to impress everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin

Dough and Cooking

  • 12–15 empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
  • Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional when baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat a splash of oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned all the way through. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Assemble the Empanadas: Roll out the empanada dough on a floured surface if homemade, or use pre-made discs. Place a small spoonful of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the beef. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly to prevent leaks during cooking.
  3. Cook to Perfection: For frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. For baking, brush empanadas with beaten egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

Notes

  • Do not overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting during cooking.
  • Use water or egg wash on the dough edges to ensure a tight seal.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning of the beef filling before assembling.
  • Maintain oil temperature steady to avoid greasy empanadas.
  • Let the filling cool slightly before assembling to avoid soggy dough.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, savory snacks, Latin American appetizers, fried empanadas, baked empanadas

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/beef-and-cheese-empanadas/