Nothing quite beats the comforting hug of a homemade hand pie stuffed with a sizzling blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. This Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe brings together that perfect union in golden, flaky pastry pockets that are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat. Whether you’re gearing up for a casual family dinner, need a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or want to pack a flavorful lunch, these empanadas are an absolute win. You’ll savor every bite, especially paired with your favorite dips and garnishes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that each play a vital role in making these empanadas flavorful, tender, and irresistibly cheesy. From the aromatic spices to the melty cheese and flaky dough, you’ll see how every element works together to create magic.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory richness and protein.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): A fragrant punch that lifts the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Warm, earthy spice that’s essential in Latin-inspired dishes.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings mild heat and complexity without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a lovely smoky nuance that makes the filling special.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor in the mixture.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle, sharp contrast.
- ½ cup tomato sauce: Gives moisture and a touch of tang to bind the filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: The gooey, melty star that makes these empanadas addictive.
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or empanada dough discs (thawed): Flaky pastry envelopes that bake up golden and crisp.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Creates that irresistible shiny, golden finish.
- Oil spray or melted butter (optional for brushing): Adds extra crispness if desired.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Savory Filling
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook them together until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened beautifully—this usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. This forms the delicious savory foundation that your empanadas need.
Step 2: Adding Aromatics and Spices
Next, throw in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices into the beef mixture so that the flavors meld perfectly. After that, pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the filling to thicken slightly and become extra flavorful. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool a bit so you can handle it easily in the next steps.
Step 3: Combining Cheese into the Filling
Once the filling has cooled just enough, mix in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. This melty addition transforms the filling, providing that comforting, cheesy pull we all crave in a good empanada.
Step 4: Assembling the Empanadas
Roll out your dough if needed, and cut it into circles about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Spoon roughly two tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of each circle. Then fold the dough over to create a crescent shape and press the edges tightly with a fork to seal in all that goodness and prevent the filling from escaping while baking.
Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection
Arrange your empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops generously with the beaten egg wash to encourage a glossy, golden crust. Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is wonderfully golden brown. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra burst of freshness and color, consider sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or finely diced tomatoes on top. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of guacamole lends a creamy contrast that perfectly balances the rich filling.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheesy beef empanadas with simple yet complementary sides like a crisp green salad, black beans, or Spanish rice. These add texture and freshness, turning your empanada snack into a full and satisfying meal everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the empanadas on rustic wooden boards or colorful platters with small bowls of salsa, chimichurri, or hot sauce for dipping. You can even serve mini halves as bite-sized appetizers to keep things fun and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making them a perfect next-day snack or quick meal.
Freezing
To enjoy these savory pockets anytime, freeze unbaked empanadas arranged on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
When reheating, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky pastry from turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack work wonderfully due to their meltability and flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or even a spicy pepper jack for a bit more kick.
What is the best dough to use for empanadas?
Refrigerated pie crusts make this recipe quick and convenient, but puff pastry will add extra flakiness if you want a lighter, airier crust. You can also find pre-made empanada dough discs at Latin grocery stores for an authentic touch.
Can these empanadas be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a mix of roasted vegetables to create a meatless version that’s just as flavorful and cheesy.
How spicy is the filling?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the chili powder and cumin, perfect for most palates. For more heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling before assembling.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. The filling tastes even better after sitting overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop fully. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before filling your dough.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love making and sharing this Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that brings friends and family together with its inviting aroma, irresistible flavor, and fun assembly. Once you try it, these hand pies will quickly become a staple for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest bites around!
Print
Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 empanadas
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American-Inspired
Description
Cheesy Beef Empanadas are savory hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. These easy-to-make pockets are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun dinner the whole family will love. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Dough & Finishing
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts or empanada dough discs (thawed)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Oil spray or melted butter (optional for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6–8 minutes. Ensure to break up the beef for even cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Then add tomato sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors well. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Once the beef mixture has cooled a bit, fold in the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, mixing evenly.
- Prepare the Dough: If needed, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts or empanada dough discs to about 4- to 5-inch diameter circles suitable for folding.
- Fill and Seal: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a crescent shape and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal tightly and prevent leaking during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a beautiful golden brown finish when baked. Optionally, you may also lightly brush with melted butter or oil spray for sheen and extra crispness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- You can make the beef filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days, making this recipe convenient for meal prep.
- Substitute pie crust with puff pastry if you prefer an extra flaky texture in your empanadas.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef filling.
