What’s the secret to a perfectly flaky pastry pocket filled with savory beef and melted cheese? These homemade beef and cheese empanadas are a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, made with tender ground beef and gooey cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a simple pastry crust. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to make tonight.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Introduction

Imagine a dish that’s both familiar and exotic, comforting and exciting all at once. Beef & Cheese Empanadas are exactly that – a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Latin America, without ever leaving your kitchen. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, these empanadas are a great way to get creative with your cooking and enjoy the process of making something truly special.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and flaky pastry is a match made in heaven, and the ingredients are easy to find in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, empanadas are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and some basic cooking skills.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or snack, Beef & Cheese Empanadas are sure to impress your friends and family with their delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the filling – a delicious mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and cheese. You’ll also need some basic pantry staples like flour, eggs, and spices, as well as some empanada dough (either homemade or store-bought). If you want to get fancy, you can add some extra ingredients like diced bell peppers or chopped cilantro, but the basic recipe is simple and straightforward. Some practical substitutions you can make include using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or swapping out the cheese for a different variety like feta or goat cheese.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, add in some diced onions and garlic and cook until they’re softened.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with some shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of cumin. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Roll out the empanada dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough, then spoon a small amount of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each circle. Brush the edges with a little bit of water, then fold the dough in half and press the edges together to seal the empanada.
4. Step 4: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with a little bit of egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• Make sure to handle the empanada dough gently, as it can tear easily. If it does tear, just press the edges back together and try to seal it as well as you can.
• Don’t overfill the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal and can lead to filling spilling out during baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and seasonings to find the combination that you like best.

Heat Control

If you’re baking the empanadas, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and you’ll want to bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. If you prefer to fry the empanadas, heat about 1-2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Crunch Factor

The empanadas should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To achieve this, make sure to bake or fry them until they’re golden brown, and don’t overcook them. You can also try brushing the empanadas with a little bit of egg wash before baking to help them brown more evenly.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash, as this will help you get a smooth, even coat.
• Experiment with different types of empanada dough, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to find the one that works best for you.
• Consider making a double batch of empanadas and freezing some for later – they’re a great snack or meal to have on hand.

Storage Tips

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until they’re crispy and warm.
• Empanadas can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• When reheating frozen empanadas, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give Beef & Cheese Empanadas as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or basket lined with parchment paper. You could also include a few extra touches, such as a side of salsa or a sprinkle of cilantro, to make the gift feel more special. Alternatively, you could package the empanadas in a cellophane bag or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the beef and cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced avocado to the empanadas for extra flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or try using different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the empanadas are too dense or heavy, try adding a little more water to the dough. If they’re too fragile, try adding a little more flour.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have empanada dough, you can try using pie crust or even pizza dough as a substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the empanadas are too pale or soft, they may not be cooked enough. If they’re too dark or crispy, they may be overcooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, empanadas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? It depends on the type of empanada dough you use. If you use a gluten-free dough, the empanadas will be gluten-free. Otherwise, they will contain gluten.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more empanadas. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they’re sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. So why not give it a try? With a little practice, you’ll be making empanadas like a pro in no time. And don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own. Happy cooking!