Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of spiced ground beef and gooey melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, from casual snacks to party appetizers or even a hearty meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Empanadas can be prepared in advance and frozen, allowing for quick and convenient future meals.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the filling to include your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, for a sweet and savory flavor)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- ½ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- For added flavor, mix in the chopped green olives and raisins, if using. Stir to combine, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheese until well incorporated.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work them into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. If necessary, add a little more water until the dough is smooth and pliable.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small bowl, cut the dough into circles approximately 4 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Bake the Empanadas:
- Arrange the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving. They pair well with salsa, guacamole, or a tangy dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 empanadas.
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy version.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans into the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Alternative Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or queso fresco to change the flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to the filling for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place assembled (but unbaked) empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Reheat baked empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispy texture.Print
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a Latin American-inspired delight featuring a spiced ground beef and melted cheese filling, all wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown crust. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or a satisfying meal, these hand-held pastries are bursting with flavor and customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional, for sweet and savory flavor)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
For the Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in green olives and raisins, if using. Let cool, then mix in shredded cheese.
- Make the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Work in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut dough into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold dough over and seal edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake the Empanadas:
- Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with salsa, guacamole, or dipping sauce.
Notes
- To freeze, assemble but do not bake. Bake frozen empanadas, adding extra baking time.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add diced veggies like corn or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American