Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delightful twist on traditional comfort food that never fails to delight the senses. These empanadas are filled with juicy, savory ground beef and a melty, creamy cheese combination that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Easy to prepare and simply irresistible, they make for a perfect family-friendly meal or a crowd-pleasing snack for gatherings. In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll discover how to create these golden, flaky pockets of goodness that are sure to keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
To make these Beef and Cheese Empanadas, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef: This will be the hearty base of your filling, providing a juicy and flavorful profile.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Aromatic and sweet when cooked, it will add a depth of flavor to the filling.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): The key to an aromatic dish, garlic brings a delightful kick that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 jalapeño, (seeds and stem removed, diced): For a touch of heat, diced jalapeño peppers elevate the flavor and add a spicy kick.
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Warm and earthy, cumin is essential for that authentic, savory taste.
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning: A delightful blend that enhances the spice without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds basic spice and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: This herb provides a hint of Mediterranean flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, these flakes bring a flavorful zing.
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder: Just enough to add a subtle warmth.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: This ingredient binds the filling together, adding moisture and flavor.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): A rich and creamy cheese that creates a deliciously melty filling.
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese (shredded): For an extra kick, Pepper Jack complements the cheddar beautifully.
- 11.6 ounces of 5” empanada dough (I used Goya): Flaky and crisp, this dough forms the perfect envelope for our filling.
- 1 large egg: The egg will be used for the egg wash, giving the empanadas a beautiful golden color.
- 1 tablespoon water: To help create the perfect egg wash mixture.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving that golden brown crust we all love.
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Cook the Filling: In a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, diced jalapeños, and the seasonings, including ground cumin, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Stir the mixture and cook until the meat is no longer pink.
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Add Garlic: Once the meat is cooked through, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute or two, allowing the garlic to infuse the filling with its fragrant aroma.
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Incorporate Tomato Sauce: Drain any excess grease from the pan and return the mixture to the heat. Add the tomato sauce, stir well, and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. This mixture will be used to give the empanadas their lovely golden finish.
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Assemble the Empanadas: Lightly wet the edges of the empanada dough with water. Place a small mound of both cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese in the center of each dough round, followed by a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture.
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Seal the Dough: Fold the dough in half, encasing the filling, and pinch the edges closed tightly. Crimp the edges with the tines of a fork for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
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Apply Egg Wash: Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash to prepare them for baking.
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Bake: Place the empanadas in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like salsa or guacamole, for added flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Using Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to the meat mixture for added freshness.
- Dough Convenience: If you’re short on time, using store-bought empanada dough is perfectly acceptable. Alternatively, you can make your own dough for a homemade touch.
- Mixing Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to create your ideal melty filling. Queso Blanco, mozzarella, or even Greek feta can add unique flavors.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch of filling and store half in the freezer for an easy meal down the road.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Beef and Cheese Empanadas are versatile and can be served in various ways. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, served with a refreshing salsa, avocado dip, or chimichurri sauce. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They are also an ideal snack for game day or gatherings, easily enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information
Each empanada has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and the ingredients used. They provide a good source of protein from the beef and calcium from the cheeses. Remember to balance your meal with vegetables or a light salad to create a well-rounded dining experience.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store leftover empanadas, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, empanadas freeze beautifully. Make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, where they can last up to three months. When ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen for an easy meal. Variations can include different fillings like chicken, spinach and feta, or even vegetarian options with beans and cheese.
Conclusion
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are bound to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or simply as a comforting dinner at home, they promise satisfaction with every crispy bite. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience—what variations did you try? Your culinary creations could inspire others!
FAQs
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Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes! Making your own empanada dough from scratch is straightforward and adds a personal touch. -
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes for a lighter filling and works beautifully with the spices in this recipe. -
What can I use as a dipping sauce?
Popular choices include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty parsley olive oil dipping sauce. -
How can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
You can prepare them earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, or assemble and freeze before baking. -
Are empanadas suitable for meal prep?
Yes, empanadas are great for meal prepping! Bake, cool, and store them in individual containers for grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, diced jalapeño, and seasonings. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to infuse flavors.
- Drain excess grease, add tomato sauce, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Whisk together the egg and water to prepare the egg wash.
- Lightly wet the edges of empanada dough with water. Place cheese and meat mixture in the center of each dough round.
- Fold the dough in half and pinch edges closed. Crimp with a fork for decoration.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
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