Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer, featuring a flavorful ground beef filling blended with aromatic spices and melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dough & Finishing
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and cut into 4-inch circles to form the empanada bases.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then press the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Place the empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to ensure the filling sets and they are safe to eat.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- For a spicier filling, add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder.
- Empanadas can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
