Irresistible Beef & Cheese Empanadas: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion! 😋😍✨

Looking for a handheld treat that’s packed with flavor and perfect for sharing? These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are your answer! With a flaky, golden crust encasing a savory filling of spiced ground beef, tender onions, and melty cheddar cheese, these empanadas are a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or packing a lunch to-go, these empanadas deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The combination of aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder gives the beef filling a robust, savory depth, while the cheese adds a gooey, indulgent touch. Easy to make with store-bought pie crusts, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and bring some savory goodness to your table! 🥟💖

---

Why You’ll Love These Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Empanadas are a beloved staple in many cultures, and for good reason—they’re versatile, portable, and absolutely delicious! This recipe takes the classic empanada to the next level with a hearty beef and cheese filling that’s seasoned to perfection. The flaky pie crust provides the perfect contrast to the rich, savory filling, creating a delightful texture in every bite. These empanadas are ideal for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, and they’re just as tasty when served as an appetizer, main dish, or snack. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and have them ready to bake whenever a craving strikes. Whether you’re new to empanada-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress! 🌟

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 12 empanadas, perfect for serving a small crowd or enjoying over a couple of meals. Here’s what you’ll need to create these savory delights:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the filling)
• 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium-fat for the best flavor)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped, for sweetness and depth)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced, for aromatic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (for a warm, earthy note)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for a subtle smokiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for a mild kick; adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste, for seasoning)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for gooey, melty goodness)
• 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts, for convenience; or use homemade dough if preferred)
• 1 egg, beaten (for a golden egg wash)
• Optional for Serving:
• Salsa, chimichurri, or sour cream (for dipping)
• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

---

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a batch of empanadas that are golden, flaky, and bursting with savory flavor.

1. Prepare the Filling
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink, draining excess fat if needed. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom and coat the beef evenly. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, making the filling even more cohesive.
2. Assemble the Empanadas
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface to prevent them from tearing. Using a round cutter, glass, or small bowl (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough—you should get about 6 circles per crust. Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill (this makes sealing easier). Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking. If the dough feels too soft, chill the assembled empanadas in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up before baking.
3. Bake the Empanadas
   Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops of each empanada with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden shine as they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy. If you notice uneven browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking. Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up as they cool, making them easier to handle.
4. Serve and Enjoy
   Transfer the empanadas to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, chimichurri, or a dollop of sour cream. These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they’re just as delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for parties or picnics. Dig in and savor the flaky crust and savory filling in every bite! 🥟

---

Tips for Perfect Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling can cause the empanadas to burst open during baking. Aim for about 1-1.5 tablespoons per empanada to ensure a good seal.
• Seal Tightly: Pressing the edges firmly and crimping with a fork helps prevent the filling from leaking out. If the dough isn’t sticking well, lightly wet the edges with water before sealing.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the empanadas when ready to serve for the freshest results.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the empanadas, but don’t bake them. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

---

Why Empanadas Are a Global Favorite

Empanadas are a cherished dish in many cultures, from Latin America to Spain, Portugal, and beyond. Their name comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” meaning “to wrap” or “to coat in bread,” and they’ve been enjoyed for centuries as a portable, satisfying meal. In Puerto Rico, empanadas (often called “empanadillas”) are a popular street food, filled with everything from beef and cheese to seafood or vegetables. Their versatility makes them a go-to for any occasion, whether as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. This beef and cheese version is a classic combination that’s universally loved, offering a balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a flaky crust. They’re a fantastic way to bring a taste of global comfort food to your kitchen! 🌍

---

Get Creative with Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to customize your empanadas:

• Spicy Beef & Cheese: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a fiery kick.
• Chicken & Cheese: Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken and add a tablespoon of salsa for a zesty twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and black beans, keeping the same spices and cheese.
• Cheese Blend: Mix cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy profile.

---

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These empanadas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and dips can elevate your meal:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with salsa, guacamole, chimichurri, or a garlic aioli for dipping.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Rice and Beans: A classic Puerto Rican combo—serve with arroz con gandules (pigeon pea rice) and a side of beans.
• Refreshing Drink: Enjoy with a cold glass of passion fruit juice, a mojito, or a light beer to complement the savory flavors.

---

Share the Love!

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky empanada filled with savory goodness. These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether at a party, a casual dinner, or a picnic. Snap a photo of your golden empanadas—especially that beautiful cross-section showing off the cheesy filling—and share it with us using the hashtags #BeefAndCheeseEmpanadas, #SavoryDelights, #HomemadeGoodness, #FoodieFavorites, and #ComfortFoodCravings. We’d love to see your creations! Have a favorite filling or dipping sauce? Drop your ideas in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🥟💖

---

Nutritional Information (Per Empanada)

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 10g
  (Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and ingredients.)

---

Final Thoughts

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly irresistible. With their flaky crust, savory filling, and endless versatility, they’re a dish that’s sure to bring joy to your table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of empanadas that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or packing them for a meal on the go, these empanadas are guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy every delicious bite! 😋✨

---