Quick & Juicy Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Crafting delectable healthy beef and cheese empanadas sparks joy in every home cook’s culinary adventure.

Savory pastries packed with lean protein offer a nutritious twist on classic comfort food.

Lean ground beef combined with vibrant spices creates a mouthwatering filling that satisfies without guilt.

Crisp, golden-brown pastry shells cradle a delightful mixture promising robust flavor and balanced nutrition.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of tender meat and melted cheese.

Homemade empanadas invite you to explore a world where wellness meets deliciousness.

Hungry for a meal that nourishes and delights?

This recipe will be your new favorite.

FAQs About Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Are whole wheat empanadas healthier than traditional ones?

Yes, whole wheat dough provides more fiber, nutrients, and fewer refined carbohydrates compared to traditional white flour empanadas, making them a more nutritious option.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this recipe, offering similar flavor and texture while reducing overall fat content.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These empanadas can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when needed, making them an excellent option for quick, convenient meals during busy weeks.

• How can I make these empanadas spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the beef mixture to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Why Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Are Tasty

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with whole wheat dough and lean ground beef, these empanadas deliver a protein-rich meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy households, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will love with minimal preparation time.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like cheese varieties or adding extra vegetables, making it a flexible meal option for different taste preferences.
• Bake and Serve Simply: No complicated cooking techniques required – just mix, fill, seal, and bake for a delicious handheld meal that looks impressive but takes minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients for Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that forms the hearty core of the empanada filling.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the beef mixture.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that provide sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that enhances the overall savory profile of the empanadas.

• Whole Wheat Dough: Nutritious base that creates a wholesome and slightly nutty wrapper for the filling.
• Smoked Paprika: Warm spice that introduces a subtle smoky undertone to the beef mixture.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface that prevents empanadas from sticking and aids in easy cleanup.

How to Cook Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef And Veggies

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions
• Diced bell peppers

Cook everything until the beef turns brown and the vegetables become soft. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice Up The Filling

• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheese melts and blends with the meat mixture.

Step 4: Prepare The Dough Rounds

Roll out the whole wheat empanada dough and slice it into perfect circles.

Step 5: Stuff And Shape The Empanadas

Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Helpful Tips for Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and boost nutritional value.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Use a fork's tines to create decorative and secure empanada edges that prevent filling from leaking.
• Consider adding chopped spinach or kale to the beef mixture for extra nutrients and vegetable intake.
• Freeze unbaked empanadas for quick future meals by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then storing in freezer bags.

Variations to Try with Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Spicy Southwest Empanadas: Replace smoked paprika with chili powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Mix in black beans and corn for a southwestern flavor profile.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and season with oregano and mint. Include chopped spinach for a Mediterranean touch.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef, incorporate quinoa into the filling, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese for a lighter protein-packed alternative.
• Vegetarian Fusion: Replace meat with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and mushrooms. Season with cumin and add pepper jack cheese for a robust vegetarian filling.

Pairing Suggestions for Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich beef and cheese flavors with a medium-bodied Malbec or Tempranillo, enhancing the smoky paprika notes and cutting through the empanada's richness.
• Serve with Zesty Salsa Verde: Create a tangy contrast by preparing a fresh salsa verde with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice, which brightens the empanada's savory profile and adds a vibrant kick.
• Match with Crisp Citrus Slaw: Prepare a light cabbage slaw dressed with orange segments, lime juice, and a touch of honey, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty empanadas and balancing their warmth.

Storage Advice for Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place cooled empanadas in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper. They'll stay good for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen empanadas at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes. For frozen empanadas, add 5 extra minutes to ensure they're heated thoroughly. This method helps maintain the crispy exterior.
• Reheat refrigerated empanadas for 30-45 seconds.

Healthy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican “Beef & Cheese Empanadas” blend zesty spices with lean ground beef and melted cheese in a golden, flaky pastry. Quick homemade comfort delivers authentic Latin flavors you’ll crave with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 cup (120 grams) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Whole wheat empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C) to prepare for baking the empanadas.
2. Sauté ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, combining with diced onions and bell peppers until meat turns brown and vegetables soften.
3. Remove excess grease from the meat mixture, ensuring a clean, lean filling.
4. Enhance the beef mixture by incorporating garlic powder, smoked paprika, and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts completely.
5. Roll out whole wheat dough and create uniform circular shapes using a cutting tool.
6. Distribute beef and cheese mixture centrally on each dough circle, leaving space around the edges.
7. Carefully fold dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and crimp edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
8. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that keeps the empanadas diet-friendly.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
• Add extra nutrition by incorporating finely chopped spinach or kale into the beef mixture for a hidden vegetable boost that kids and adults will enjoy.
• Use egg wash or a light brushing of olive oil before baking to enhance the golden-brown color and create a crispy, glossy exterior on the empanadas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg