Zesty Crispy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe for Family Fun

Biting into a golden crispy beef & cheese empanadas reveals a world of savory delight that dances across your taste buds.

These handheld pastries burst with rich, seasoned meat and melting cheese nestled inside a perfectly crisp shell.

Every bite tells a story of culinary tradition passed down through generations.

The flaky exterior gives way to a succulent filling that sparks memories of cozy kitchen gatherings.

Crafted with love and simple ingredients, these empanadas transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Latin American cuisine shines through in this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a staple at your dinner table.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these empanadas are more than just a snack—they’re a celebration of flavor.

FAQs

• What are empanadas?

Empanadas are savory pastries originating from Latin American cuisine, typically filled with meat, cheese, or other ingredients, then baked or fried until golden and crispy.

• Is ground beef the only meat option for empanadas?

No, you can use other meats like chicken, pork, or even ground turkey as a substitute for beef in empanada fillings.

• Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assembled empanadas in advance. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking or frying.

• Do I need special equipment to make empanadas?

While a specialized empanada press is helpful, you can easily make them using a rolling pin and a fork to crimp the edges, creating a traditional sealed pocket.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 15

Building Blocks for Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Ground Beef: Lean protein base that provides rich, hearty flavor and substantial texture for empanadas.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Intense flavor enhancer that brings robust, savory notes to the filling.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that delivers authentic Latin American culinary character.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky, complex undertone with a subtle hint of warmth.
• Chili Powder: Optional spice that introduces gentle heat and vibrant color.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that helps bind ingredients and creates rich sauce.
• Water: Helps create smooth consistency and prevents filling from becoming too dry.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty ingredient that adds creamy texture and enhances overall richness of empanadas.

Tools You’ll Want for Perfect Empanada Prep

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir ingredients and break up ground beef while cooking.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Colander or strainer: Useful for draining excess grease from the beef.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
• Cheese grater: If using block cheese, helps create fresh shredded cheese.

From Filling to Folding: Making Beef & Cheese Empanadas

• Brown the Meat Crumble ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces until it's nicely caramelized. Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.
• Sizzle the Aromatics Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the pan, letting them dance and soften until they release their delicious fragrance.
• Spice It Up Sprinkle in warm, earthy spices like cumin and smoky paprika. Add a dollop of tomato paste and splash of water to create a rich, thick sauce that clings to the meat.
• Cool and Combine Let the meat mixture rest and cool down slightly, then fold in shredded cheese until it's perfectly distributed throughout the filling.

Switch Things Up in Your Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispy texture.
• Assemble uncooked empanadas, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient make-ahead meals that last up to 2 months.
• Replace traditional wheat flour dough with gluten-free pastry dough or use corn-based wrappers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Adjust heat by reducing or eliminating chili powder, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick. Serve with cooling sour cream or yogurt to balance spiciness.
• Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives to create a protein-rich meatless version that maintains the classic empanada flavor profile.

Ways to Share Beef & Cheese Empanadas at the Table

• Fiesta-Style Plating: Arrange empanadas on a colorful platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation that screams Mexican-inspired feast.
• Dipping Delights: Serve alongside homemade salsa verde, zesty chimichurri sauce, or cool sour cream to add extra flavor and excitement to each crispy bite.
• Meal Companion: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to transform these empanadas from appetizer to a complete and satisfying meal that'll impress everyone at the table.
• Party Crowd-Pleaser: Cut empanadas into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone loves sharing delicious finger food.

Save It, Serve It, Repeat: Empanada Storage Tips

• Store these delectable empanadas in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Assemble empanadas in advance and freeze uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient storage up to 2 months before cooking.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy exterior and maintain delicious filling temperature.
• Consider individually wrapping empanadas in plastic wrap or separating layers with parchment paper when storing, preventing them from sticking together and making grab-and-go meals easier.

Crispy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Savory Beef & Cheese Empanadas blend Argentine culinary traditions with rich, comforting flavors. Golden pastry pockets encasing seasoned beef promise a delightful journey through South American cuisine you’ll surely enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup ice-cold water
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat, meticulously draining excess fat to create a lean, flavorful base.
2. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and release their fragrant essence, while blending cumin, smoked paprika, and optional chili powder into the mixture.
3. Flavor Development: Integrate tomato paste with a splash of water, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce, creating a rich, concentrated filling that develops deep, complex flavors for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove skillet from heat, gently fold shredded cheese into the warm beef mixture, ensuring even distribution and creating a creamy, cohesive filling that will perfectly complement the empanada pastry.
5. Preparation Finalization: Let the filling cool to a workable temperature, preparing for seamless empanada assembly and ensuring optimal texture and flavor melding.

Notes

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove all excess fat to prevent soggy, greasy empanadas and ensure a crisp, clean-tasting filling.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder carefully to suit personal heat preferences, starting with small amounts and tasting as you go.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let filling reach room temperature before adding cheese to maintain texture and prevent premature melting.
• Seal Edges Properly: Press empanada edges firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking or frying, creating a perfect seal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg