Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
These Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. With a savory ground beef filling, melted cheese, and a golden, crispy crust, these empanadas are a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. The combination of seasoned beef and gooey cheese wrapped in a flaky pastry is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be customized with different fillings. In this recipe, the ground beef and cheese filling is simple, satisfying, and comes together quickly. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or preparing a batch for meal prep, these empanadas are easy to make and taste delicious!
When you try these Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas, you can look forward to a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crispy flavors. The ground beef is well-seasoned, the cheese melts into a creamy filling, and the outer crust is perfectly crisped to golden perfection. They’re also great for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, making them even more delicious!
Tools to Use
- Skillet for cooking the beef filling
- Rolling pin for rolling out the dough
- Baking sheet for baking the empanadas
- Pastry brush for applying egg wash
- Spoon for filling the empanadas
- Knife or pizza cutter for cutting dough circles
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- Salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly seasoned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling
- Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until well combined. The cheese will melt into the beef mixture, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take one empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as it will make folding the empanadas more difficult.
- Fold the dough in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanada, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough discs and filling.
- Brush with Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Empanadas
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve
- Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
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Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet for cooking the beef filling
- Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough.
- Baking sheet for baking the empanadas
- Pastry brush for applying egg wash
- Spoon for filling the empanadas
- Knife or pizza cutter for cutting dough circles
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese of choice
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package empanada dough discs store-bought or homemade
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the beef
- Salsa sour cream, or guacamole (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly seasoned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling
- Once the beef mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until well combined. The cheese will melt into the beef mixture, creating a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Empanadas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take one empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center. Be careful not to overfill, as it will make folding the empanadas more difficult.
- Fold the dough in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanada, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough discs and filling.
- Brush with Egg Wash
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg to create an egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake the Empanadas
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve
- Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Tips for Cooking
- Use Store-Bought Dough: If you’re short on time, store-bought empanada dough discs are a great shortcut. They save time without compromising on flavor.
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced bell peppers, olives, or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Fry Instead of Bake: If you prefer fried empanadas, heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Ahead: These empanadas can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
These Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the perfect combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and flaky pastry. They are incredibly easy to make and are a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal or snack. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as an appetizer, or for a party, these empanadas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re customizable, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the filling to make them your own!
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, these Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the perfect choice. They’re packed with flavor, simple to make, and great for serving to friends and family. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a delicious, crispy treat everyone will love!
