Easy Crispy Melty Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine biting into a warm, golden empanada that transports you straight to the heart of Latin America, where every mouthful bursts with savory ground beef and gooey, melted cheese. If you’re searching for the ultimate Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe that combines authentic flavors with ease, you’ve landed on the perfect spot at delicetreats.com. This easy empanadas recipe is designed for home cooks who crave that crispy exterior and irresistible filling without the hassle. With our secrets to achieving an unbelievably melty cheese infusion, this version stands out as the go-to choice for family dinners or parties. Beef and Cheese Empanadas aren’t just a meal—they’re a celebration of bold tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The allure of Beef and Cheese Empanadas lies in their sensory symphony: the satisfying crunch of the pastry gives way to a juicy, spiced beef filling that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy, stretchy cheese. As you bake these empanadas, your kitchen fills with the aromatic blend of cumin, paprika, and garlic, creating an inviting scent that draws everyone in. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—from the flaky, buttery dough to the tender, flavorful meat and that melty cheese center that oozes out just right. It’s comfort food elevated, making it an ideal empanadas recipe for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in.

What sets this Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe apart on delicetreats.com is its foundation in Chef Lalyta’s expert techniques, ensuring foolproof results every time. We’ve fine-tuned this easy empanadas recipe to include the Chef’s Secret: a simple yet transformative method for melting the cheese seamlessly into the beef, resulting in an ultra-creamy filling that locks in flavors and prevents sogginess. You’ll learn insider tips on dough handling, spice blending, and even substitutions to make it your own. Stick around, and discover how to master Beef empanadas or Cheese empanadas with confidence, turning kitchen novices into pros with this comprehensive guide.

Why This Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret to our Beef and Cheese Empanadas lies in the melty cheese infusion technique, where we mix the shredded cheese directly into the warm beef filling for a seamless blend that creates an ultra-creamy, irresistible center. This method ensures every empanada delivers a burst of gooey goodness without the cheese separating or leaking during baking, setting this empanadas recipe apart from ordinary ones. By allowing the filling to cool slightly before assembling, the cheese integrates perfectly, enhancing the authentic Latin American flavors and making Beef empanadas a standout dish.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind our crispy pastry comes from using high-quality empanada dough, which, when baked, creates layers of flakiness due to its balanced fat content. This results in a light, airy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the hearty filling, all achieved by proper rolling and sealing techniques that trap steam inside for optimal rise and crispiness.

Foolproof for a Reason: This Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe has been rigorously tested multiple times in our kitchens to guarantee success, even for beginners. With clear instructions and tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls like overfilling or under-seasoning, making it a reliable, easy empanadas recipe that’s perfect for Cheese empanadas or Beef empanadas variations.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Ground Beef: This is the star of Beef and Cheese Empanadas, providing a rich, savory base that absorbs spices beautifully for an authentic empanada flavor. Opt for 80% lean ground beef to ensure juiciness without excess grease; higher fat content leads to better taste and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute with ground turkey, but be sure to add extra oil to maintain moisture and flavor.

Onion and Garlic: The finely chopped onion and minced garlic add aromatic depth and sweetness to the filling, balancing the spices in this empanadas recipe. Fresh, high-quality onions and garlic make a big difference—use organic varieties for a more pronounced flavor. For substitutions, swap onions with shallots for a milder taste, and if garlic is unavailable, roasted garlic powder works, though it won’t be as pungent.

Ground Cumin and Paprika: These spices are key to the Latin American essence in Beef and Cheese Empanadas, with cumin offering earthy notes and paprika providing a subtle smokiness. Always choose freshly ground cumin for maximum potency, and smoked paprika for added depth. If you’re out of cumin, coriander can mimic its warmth, while cayenne can replace paprika for a spicier twist in this Beef empanadas recipe.

Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese: The melty cheese infusion relies on this ingredient to create that gooey, comforting center in Cheese empanadas. High-quality, freshly shredded cheese melts evenly; avoid pre-shredded for better results due to anti-caking agents. Vegetarians can use plant-based shreds, ensuring they melt well, to keep the creamy texture intact without altering the Beef and Cheese Empanadas experience.

Empanada Pastry Dough: This encases the filling, delivering a crispy, golden shell that’s essential for an easy empanadas recipe. Store-bought dough saves time, but homemade allows for customization—use all-purpose flour for the best rollability. For gluten-free options, substitute with a gluten-free pastry mix, though it may require extra chilling to achieve the same flaky result in Beef empanadas.

Vegetable Oil and Egg: Vegetable oil is used for browning the beef, ensuring a flavorful base, while the egg wash gives a shiny, golden finish. Choose a neutral oil like canola for high-heat cooking; olive oil can substitute but may add a distinct flavor. The egg can be replaced with a milk wash for a dairy-free version, though it won’t provide the same glossy effect in this Cheese empanadas recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef

Heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks for about 5-7 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and prevents clumping.

Pro Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef finely for a uniform texture in your Beef and Cheese Empanadas, allowing the spices to coat every piece evenly.

Step 2: Adding Aromatics

Add the finely chopped medium onion and minced 2 cloves of garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush this step by cooking on high heat, as it can make the onions bitter—keep the heat medium to develop sweet flavors that enhance your empanadas recipe.

Step 3: Incorporating Spices

Stir in the 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, stirring constantly.

Pro Tip: Toast the spices briefly in the hot pan to release their oils, amplifying the authentic Latin American taste in your Beef empanadas.

Step 4: Mixing in the Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Let the filling cool slightly for about 10 minutes.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Adding cheese while the mixture is too hot can cause it to separate; always cool it slightly for that perfect melty cheese infusion in Cheese empanadas.

Step 5: Preparing the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If using homemade pastry, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles about 6 inches in diameter.

Pro Tip: Chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling to prevent sticking and ensure a flaky crust for your easy empanadas recipe.

Step 6: Filling the Empanadas

Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry circle, using about 2 tablespoons per empanada.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overfilling can cause the empanadas to burst open during baking—keep portions moderate for sealed edges in Beef and Cheese Empanadas.

Step 7: Sealing and Shaping

Fold the pastry over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.

Pro Tip: Lightly moisten the edges with water before sealing to create a tight bond, ensuring your empanadas stay intact and crispy.

Step 8: Applying Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg for a golden finish, covering evenly.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Skipping the egg wash can result in a pale appearance—apply it thinly to avoid sogginess while achieving that perfect sheen for Cheese empanadas.

Step 9: Baking the Empanadas

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating the sheet halfway through.

Pro Tip: Use a convection setting if available for even browning, enhancing the texture of your Beef empanadas.

Step 10: Cooling and Serving

Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Serving them straight from the oven can make the filling too hot—cooling allows flavors to settle for the best Beef and Cheese Empanadas experience.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of your Beef and Cheese Empanadas, arrange them on a rustic platter with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This easy empanadas recipe pairs beautifully with sides like a zesty avocado salsa or a simple black bean salad to complement the savory flavors. Serve as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, or make it a main course by pairing with rice and grilled vegetables for a balanced meal that’s perfect for Beef empanadas enthusiasts.

To elevate your Cheese empanadas, consider creative garnishes like a squeeze of lime or a dash of hot sauce for added zest. The key is to keep the focus on the golden, crispy exterior and melty interior, making it visually appealing and Instagram-worthy. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe shines as the star, encouraging seconds and compliments.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the beef and cheese filling up to 2 days in advance by following steps 1-4, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also assemble the empanadas fully and freeze them uncooked for up to 3 days—just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag.

Storing Leftovers: Once baked, store Beef and Cheese Empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their crispy texture. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 1 month, ensuring they retain their flavor and quality.

The Best Way to Reheat: To restore the original crispy texture and melty cheese, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy—oven reheating keeps your empanadas recipe tasting fresh and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Beef & Cheese Empanadas

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• Author: Chef Lalyta
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 empanadas 1x

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Description

These homemade beef and cheese empanadas are a delicious Latin American treat, featuring a savory filling of ground beef mixed with melted cheese, all encased in a crispy pastry dough. Perfect as an appetizer or main course.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 1 package empanada pastry dough or homemade pastry
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined. Let the filling cool slightly.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If using homemade pastry, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles (about 6 inches in diameter).
6. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry circle.
7. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative finish.
8. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can fry the empanadas in hot oil instead of baking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Method: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 12g