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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined. Let the filling cool slightly.
- 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).
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each pastry circle.
- 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.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 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