This easy Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe comes together in about 45 minutes and is baked to perfection for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the fillings or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to creatively use whatever leftovers you’ve got hanging around. Honestly, it’s a win-win for those busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious without the hassle of a complicated recipe!
Ingredient You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step For The Perfect Beef and Cheese Empanadas
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s happening, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. You’ll know it’s time when you can smell that sweet onion aroma wafting through the kitchen!
3. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn because burnt garlic is just sad!
4. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper, making sure everything is coated in those delicious spices. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and beautifully combined with the beef mixture.
6. Time to form the empanadas! On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut the dough into circles. You want to keep it as thin as possible for a crispy crust but thick enough to hold that scrumptious filling!
7. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle, careful not to overfill! Otherwise, sealing them can be a little tricky.
8. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then use a fork to press down along the edges, sealing those empanadas tight.
9. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg so you get a beautiful golden, crispy finish when they bake. Trust me on this, don’t skip that step!
10. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Just looking at them will make you want to dig in right away!
11. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving, if you can stand the wait! I know, I know, it’s tough with that cheesy goodness beckoning. Enjoy them warm!
If you loved those beef and cheese empanadas, be sure to try the Chicken version!
Why Empanadas Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal when you’re pressed for time.
Customizable
Whether you want to swap out the beef for chicken or go meatless with veggies, feel free to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. This dish is all about making it yours!
Crowd-Pleaser
My kids go crazy for these! They’re portable, easy to eat, and just plain fun. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese?
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can easily prep these empanadas ahead of time. Just fill, fold, and freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, these empanadas are as comforting as it gets. Trust me, they’ll warm you up from the inside out!
How to Serve Beef and Cheese Empanadas
These amazing empanadas are versatile enough to be served on their own, but here are some fun ideas to elevate your meal:
- Pair them with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy addition.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or homemade salsa for a tasty dip.
- You can also make a quick dipping sauce using Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice and cilantro, yum!
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat them is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust nice and crispy, microwaving will just make it soggy, and nobody wants that!
- Freezer Friendly: Yes! Make a batch, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen for about 30-35 minutes.
Now, go ahead and whip up a batch of these delectable Beef and Cheese Empanadas! You won’t regret it, and your family will be singing your praises. Happy cooking!
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Easy Beef and Cheese Empanadas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
This delicious Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Customize with your favorite fillings for a comforting meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- On a floured surface, roll out pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each circle. Fold and seal with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Place the empanadas on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Great for using leftovers! Freeze unbaked empanadas and bake from frozen when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg