The Best Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe for Cozy Gatherings

Crispy, golden beef and cheese empanadas dance with irresistible flavors that spark excitement in every kitchen.

Pastry pockets bursting with savory filling promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Argentinian inspiration meets home-style comfort in these handheld delicacies.

Each bite reveals a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese nestled inside a flaky crust.

Rich spices and tender meat create a mouthwatering experience that captures global street food magic.

You can quickly master this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to impress everyone around your table with these irresistible empanadas that feel like a warm, delicious hug.

Variation Ideas for Beef and Cheese Empanadas

• Spicy Chicken Fiesta: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, add chipotle peppers for extra heat, use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Delight: Swap meat with black beans and roasted corn, incorporate diced bell peppers, use queso fresco instead of regular cheese.
• Mediterranean Lamb Edition: Substitute beef with ground lamb, mix in oregano and mint, add crumbled feta cheese, serve with tzatziki sauce.
• Breakfast Brunch Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, cheddar cheese, serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Pairing Suggestions to Enjoy with Beef and Cheese Empanadas

• Spice Up with Salsa Verde: Fresh, tangy salsa verde complements the rich beef and cheese, cutting through the heaviness and adding bright, zesty flavor that makes each bite pop with excitement.
• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: A cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico balances the empanadas' spiciness, refreshes the palate, and provides a smooth, clean drinking experience.
• Cool Down with Cilantro Cream Sauce: Smooth, herbal cilantro cream sauce offers a creamy counterpoint to the savory filling, bringing a cool, refreshing element that enhances the overall taste profile.

Storing Beef and Cheese Empanadas for Best Results

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Crisp the exterior by using the last 2 minutes on broil.
• Heat empanadas for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Cheese Empanadas

• Are empanadas originally from a specific country?

Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, but they became incredibly popular across Latin America, especially in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, where each region developed its unique style and filling.

• Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare empanadas in advance and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen.

• What type of cheese works best in these empanadas?

Queso fresco, monterey jack, or mild cheddar cheese are excellent choices. They melt well and complement the spicy beef mixture without overpowering the other flavors.

Why Beef and Cheese Empanadas Are a Savory Delight

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: These beef and cheese empanadas deliver a quick and delicious meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a hearty and flavorful dish.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily adjust the spice level by modifying jalapeños or adding your favorite cheese, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy pastry, these empanadas are a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults at gatherings, potlucks, or casual dinners.
• Master Kitchen Skills: This recipe offers a simple introduction to making filled pastries, helping home cooks build confidence in preparing international cuisine with straightforward techniques and minimal professional cooking experience required.

Ingredients Required for Beef and Cheese Empanadas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty protein that forms the base of the meat mixture for the empanadas.
• Empanada Dough: A classic pastry wrapper that creates the signature crispy and golden exterior of the empanadas.
• Cheese: A melty and rich ingredient that adds creamy texture and enhanced flavor to the filling.

• Onion, Jalapenos, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide depth, heat, and aromatic complexity to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: A rich and tangy sauce that helps to bind and moisten the meat mixture.
• Egg, Water: Combined to create an egg wash that gives the empanadas a beautiful golden-brown sheen when baked.

How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Sizzle the Savory Filling

• Diced onions
• Chopped jalapenos
• Seasonings

Cook until the meat turns brown and loses its pink color. Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess grease and return the mixture to the pan. Pour in tomato sauce, stir thoroughly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes to develop rich flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Golden Egg Wash

Whisk an egg with water in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Empanada Pockets

• Sprinkle cheese in the center of the dough
• Add a heaping spoonful of meat mixture
• Top with additional cheese

Fold the dough in half, pressing the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges securely.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the prepared egg wash. Bake for 15 minutes or until the empanadas turn a beautiful golden brown.

Tips to Make Perfect Beef and Cheese Empanadas

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner meat mixture.
• Drain meat thoroughly after cooking to prevent soggy empanada bottoms and maintain crispy texture.
• Ensure empanada edges are sealed completely by pressing fork tines firmly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Add extra heat by increasing jalapeño quantity or including red pepper flakes for spice lovers who enjoy bold flavors.
• Cool meat mixture slightly before filling dough to prevent potential dough tearing and ensure easier assembly process.

Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory beef and cheese empanadas burst with Latin American flavors, offering a delightful culinary journey through crispy pastry pockets. Packed with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, these handheld treats invite you to savor a perfect blend of comfort and zest.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 1 pound ground beef

Cheeses:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeds and stem removed, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) tomato sauce
• 11.6 ounces (329 grams) empanada dough (such as Goya)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef, onion, jalapeños, and seasonings in a skillet over medium heat until meat turns brown and loses its pink color.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then drain excess grease and return meat to pan.
3. Pour tomato sauce into meat mixture, stirring thoroughly, and simmer for 15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
4. Whisk egg with water in a small bowl to create a smooth egg wash for later use.
5. Lightly moisten empanada dough edges with water to ensure proper sealing.
6. Position a layer of cheese in the center of each dough circle, followed by a generous spoonful of meat mixture and another cheese layer.
7. Carefully fold dough in half, pressing edges together to create a half-moon shape.
8. Secure edges by crimping with fork tines, creating a decorative and sealed border.
9. Arrange empanadas on a baking sheet and generously brush with prepared egg wash.
10. Preheat oven to 425°F and bake empanadas for approximately 15 minutes until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Adapt the spice level by adjusting jalapeño quantity or using milder peppers like bell peppers for sensitive palates.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner protein alternative.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like queso fresco, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles.
• Freeze unbaked empanadas for quick future meals by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to freezer bags for convenient storage.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg