Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Cooking has always held a special place in the heart. There’s something magical about bringing together simple ingredients to create a dish that resonates with warmth and comfort. Beef & cheese empanadas exemplify this perfectly. They feature a scrumptious filling enveloped in a flaky crust, making them irresistible.

Coming home to a kitchen filled with the aroma of sautéing onions and garlic instantly transports anyone to a cherished family gathering. The excitement of rolling out dough and shaping those perfect pockets of joy creates a connection to memories spent with loved ones. Empanadas are not just food; they’re an experience.

Let’s delve into the Beef & cheese empanadas adventure. This delightful recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and doesn’t require a chef’s degree. Each bite promises a comforting burst of flavor that will surely be a favorite at your table.

Perfecting Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Fundamentals

Creating perfect Beef & cheese empanadas starts with understanding the essentials of the recipe. The filling combines ground beef, onions, and a blend of spices that gives the dish depth. Ground cumin, paprika, and chili powder not only season the beef but also add warmth and personality to each empanada.

The cheese plays a vital role here too. Shredded cheddar provides the creamy, melty goodness that perfectly complements the savory beef. A bit of salt and pepper ties everything together, ensuring each bite packs a delightful punch. It’s important to use quality ingredients, as they elevate the overall taste and satisfaction.

Preparation/Setup

Getting the kitchen ready for this culinary endeavor involves a few straightforward steps. First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup prevents sticking and guarantees even baking. With the oven heating up, gather all the ingredients and tools for efficiency.

A large skillet will become your best friend in this process. It’s where all the flavors merge and come to life. Prepare your workspace by laying out a floured surface for rolling out the pie crust. This space will allow you to easily shape your empanadas without excess sticking.

Ingredients

For these flavorful Beef & cheese empanadas, gather the following:

• 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)

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a satisfying and comforting dish.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion is softened and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Introduce the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
6. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the beef is well-seasoned. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well combined with the beef mixture.
8. On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut the dough into circles.
9. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
10. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press down along the edges, sealing the empanadas tightly.
11. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg for a golden, crispy finish when baked.
12. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
13. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving.

Mastering the Technique of Cooking Empanadas

Technique

Now that you know how to prepare the filling and assemble your empanadas, let’s delve into the techniques that can elevate your dish even further. A critical aspect to ensure that the empanadas cook evenly is the thickness of the dough. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick to achieve the ideal crispiness while still holding the filling without tearing.

Another technique is venting the tops of the empanadas. A couple of small slits on the top can provide a steam release during baking, preventing any sogginess while promoting that beautiful golden color.

Tips/Tricks

Here are a few handy tips to enhance your Beef & cheese empanadas:

• To get an even better seal on your empanada edges, consider moistening them with a little water before pressing down with the fork.
• If you have leftover filling, save it for a quick taco night or use it in a savory casserole.
• Experiment with your spice levels by adding a pinch more chili powder or incorporating diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Refining Your Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Perfecting Results

The goal is to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while ensuring the filling is flavorful and generously cheesy inside. Check the baking time, as ovens can vary in temperature. Keeping an eye on them during the final minutes of baking can prevent over-browning and maintain a soft, inviting interior.

If you find that your empanadas are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature to accommodate more even cooking.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned in the kitchen. If a batch of empanadas leaks during baking, check if the filling was too moist or if the seals weren’t tight enough. Adjust the filling ratios in the next batch to find the perfect balance.

Feel free to get creative with the filling! Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for lighter variations. Adding chopped vegetables can also introduce freshness and flavor, making it even more nutritious.

Serving Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Serving/Presentation

Serve Beef & cheese empanadas warm from the oven, ideally paired with some dipping sauces such as creamy ranch or spicy salsa. Arrange them on a platter for an inviting presentation at your next gathering or family meal.

Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top to add color and freshness. This simple touch can elevate the dish visually, making it even more appealing to guests.

Pairings/Storage

When serving Beef & cheese empanadas, consider pairing them with a refreshing side salad or some homemade guacamole for a complete meal. These empanadas also thrive as a snack or appetizer, especially when served with a selection of dipping options.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain that crispy texture. Consider freezing any extra empanadas for a quick meal later; just make sure to freeze them before baking for best results.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas Celebrate Connection

Beef & cheese empanadas capture the heart and soul of cooking. By bringing together ground beef, cheese, spices, and pie crust, anyone can create a dish that delights both the taste buds and the spirit. They represent shared moments, family gatherings, and the joy of home-cooked meals.

From the sizzle of the skillet to the golden crust baking in the oven, every step contributes to a satisfying culinary journey. The first bite is always incredible, delivering the warmth and flavor crafted with care and love. Embrace the joy of making these Beef & cheese empanadas and create your cherished memories around the table.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

Delicious Beef & Cheese Empanadas with a savory filling wrapped in a flaky crust, perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Introduce ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
6. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper and cook until the beef is browned.
7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface and cut into 4-inch circles.
9. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle.
10. Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape and seal edges with a fork.
11. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
13. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For even cooking, ensure empanadas are not overfilled and consider adding small slits on top to vent.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 empanada
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: empanadas, beef, cheese, appetizer, Mexican cuisine