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These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
Cheesy beef empanadas are the perfect solution for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack. These golden-brown pastries are packed with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, all wrapped in flaky dough. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a weeknight meal, these empanadas are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheesy beef empanadas are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They are a hit with everyone and can be customized to fit your taste. Check out these highlights:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Filling: A delightful combination of beef, cheese, and spices.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or party snack.
- Freezable: Make a batch and save some for later!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking oil for frying (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Beef Empanadas
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat oil in a deep pan for frying.
- On a clean surface, lay out the empanada dough discs. Place about a tablespoon of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each disc.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- If baking, place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- If frying, carefully place the empanadas in hot oil, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t overfill the empanadas; a tablespoon of filling is just the right amount.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to avoid any leakage during cooking.
- Experiment with spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Easy Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso blanco for a twist.
What to Serve With It
- Fresh salsa or pico de gallo for dipping.
- A side of guacamole for added creaminess.
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness of the empanadas.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. For frozen empanadas, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough discs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking oil for frying (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in ground beef, spices, and cook until browned.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheese.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil for frying.
- Fill empanada discs and seal edges.
- For baking, brush with egg and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- For frying, cook in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes: Customize the filling and serve with your favorite dips!
