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Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas
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These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are crispy golden pockets filled with tender, savory ground beef and gooey melted cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, they’re perfect as snacks, appetizers, or meals suitable for any occasion. Featuring a flaky crust with a flavorful filling, these empanadas are a crowd-pleaser and highly customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Dough and Baking

  • 1 package empanada dough or puff pastry (enough for 12–15 empanadas)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, seasoning to your taste. Let the mixture cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheese to prevent it from melting prematurely.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour your workspace and roll out the empanada dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or the rim of a cup, cut out circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter to ensure easy handling and folding.
  3. Assemble the Empanadas: Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle, avoiding overfilling to prevent tearing. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, press the edges firmly together, and crimp with a fork to seal completely.
  4. Add the Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush each with the beaten egg to create a golden, shiny crust. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the crust is crisp and golden brown.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the empanadas to rest for a few minutes after baking to cool slightly and let the cheese set. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease and soggy filling.
  • Don’t overfill the empanadas; stick to about one tablespoon of filling per empanada to avoid breakage.
  • Chill the assembled empanadas in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking to reduce dough shrinkage.
  • Brushing empanadas with egg wash before baking results in a crispy, golden crust.
  • Serve empanadas with dipping sauces like salsa, chimichurri, or creamy cilantro sauce for added flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, baked empanadas, appetizer, snack, party food, ground beef recipe, melty cheese empanadas

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/beef-and-cheese-empanadas/