What makes a perfect savory pastry? It’s the combination of tender beef and melted cheese in a flaky homemade empanada, made easy with simple weeknight dinner ingredients like ground beef and shredded cheese. Save this idea for your next family favorite meal.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Introduction

Imagine biting into a crispy, golden pastry, filled with the rich flavors of beef and cheese, all wrapped up in a delightful package that’s both easy to make and fun to eat. Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a culinary delight that brings together the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the creativity of international cuisine. These empanadas are perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or even a snack on the go. With their balanced flavors and accessible ingredients, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of beef, cheese, and spices creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s hard to resist, and the best part is that all these ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, empanadas are surprisingly easy to make. The dough can be homemade or store-bought, and the filling is a straightforward mix of cooked beef, cheese, and spices.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a casual gathering, Beef & Cheese Empanadas are sure to impress your guests with their delicious taste and appealing presentation, all achieved with relatively minimal effort.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Beef & Cheese Empanadas include ground beef, cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. For the empanada dough, you’ll need flour, water, and a bit of oil. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or adding different spices to give the empanadas a unique twist. Cheese can also be mixed and matched – for example, combining cheddar with mozzarella for an extra creamy filling.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing the filling. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Step 2: Once the beef mixture is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until it’s well combined and melted. Set the filling aside to cool.
3. Step 3: To make the empanada dough, combine flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Gradually add water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into smaller pieces, depending on how large you want your empanadas to be.
4. Step 4: Roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle. Place a tablespoon or two of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle and press the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Also, sealing the edges properly is key to preventing the filling from escaping.
• For an extra crispy exterior, brush the tops of the empanadas with a little bit of egg wash before baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and spices to find your favorite flavor combination.

Heat Control

To bake the empanadas, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each empanada. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown. For an crispy exterior, you can also fry the empanadas in hot oil until they’re golden, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of Beef & Cheese Empanadas comes from the crispy exterior of the pastry, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy filling. To achieve this, make sure to not overwork the dough, and bake or fry the empanadas until they’re golden brown. If baking, a light egg wash can help enhance the crunch and color of the pastry.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Mixing cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan can add depth and richness to the filling.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought empanada dough or pie crust. This can save time and still yield delicious results.

Storage Tips

• Unbaked empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day or frozen for up to two months. Simply thaw frozen empanadas overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before baking.
• Baked empanadas can be stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until crispy and warm.
• For longer storage, consider freezing baked empanadas. They can be reheated from frozen in the oven or microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Beef & Cheese Empanadas make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged in an appealing way. Consider placing a dozen empanadas in a decorative tin or basket, wrapped in parchment paper or a colorful cloth. You can also include a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. For a more rustic look, wrap individual empanadas in paper bags or wraps, tied with a ribbon or twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or some dried oregano for a herby flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top your empanadas with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a slice of fresh jalapeño.
• Ingredient swaps: Use ground pork or lamb for a different meat flavor, or add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your empanadas turn out too dense, it might be because the dough was overworked. Try to mix and knead the dough just until it comes together, then let it rest.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a particular spice or ingredient, feel free to substitute with something similar. For example, you can use chili powder instead of cumin for a slightly different flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Empanadas are done when they’re golden brown and crispy. If they’re undercooked, they might be pale and soft. If overcooked, they can be too dark and dry.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, both unbaked and baked empanadas can be frozen for later use. Simply thaw and bake or reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? Traditional empanada dough contains gluten, but you can easily make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free mix.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re making a large batch.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delightful treat that combines the comfort of a warm, cheesy pastry with the excitement of international flavors. With their ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and versatility in ingredients and serving options, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get creative with your empanadas, and enjoy the delight of sharing a delicious, homemade treat with your loved ones.