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- 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 package of empanada dough discs (approximately 10-12 discs) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Olive oil, for frying - Fresh herbs to brighten the filling - Alternative cheeses for unique taste - Toppings and dips to enhance each bite - Skillet for sautéing the beef - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - Baking sheet for baking the empanadas - Fork for sealing and decorating the edges {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the beef filling, start by sautéing the onion and garlic. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook it until it turns soft and clear, about five minutes. Then, add the minced garlic. Stir for one minute until it smells good. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula while cooking. Stir the beef until it turns brown, which takes about seven to ten minutes. Season it with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it cook for another two to three minutes to blend the flavors. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool a bit. Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped cilantro until everything is mixed nicely. Now, it’s time to fill the empanadas. Take one dough disc and put about one to two tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal it well. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, which looks nice and keeps the filling inside. Repeat this step with the rest of the dough discs and filling until you finish them all. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. Place the filled empanadas on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will give them a nice, shiny look when they bake. Bake the empanadas for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory beef and cheese empanadas warm! Choosing the right dough is crucial. Use quality empanada dough discs. They should be soft yet sturdy. This way, they hold the filling well. Look for discs in the frozen section at your store. When rolling and handling dough, keep it cool. If it warms up, it gets sticky. Dust your surface with flour before rolling. This prevents sticking. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough gently. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Common mistakes include overfilling and under-sealing. Avoid using too much filling; it may leak during cooking. Seal the edges firmly with your fingers. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a neat finish. Adjusting spice levels can make your filling pop. Start with a small amount of chili powder. Add more if you like heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Adding vegetables for crunch is a great idea. Chopped bell peppers or diced carrots work well. They add texture and nutrients to your empanadas. Mix them in along with the beef. For cheese combinations, consider mixing cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella adds creaminess. A blend can create a rich flavor profile. Experiment with different types to see what you like best. The best dips to complement empanadas include chimichurri and salsa. Their bright flavors enhance the savory filling. You can also try ranch dressing for a creamy option. Pair your empanadas with sides like a fresh salad or rice. A light side balances the richness of the empanadas. For drinks, consider a refreshing soda or a light beer. For presentation, serve empanadas on a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Arrange them in a circle or in a stack for an attractive display. Pro Tips Use Chilled Dough: Keeping your empanada dough chilled makes it easier to handle and helps achieve a flaky crust. Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to add extra filling, overfilling can cause the empanadas to burst during cooking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the beef mixture for a personal twist on flavor. Fry for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier texture, consider frying the empanadas in hot oil instead of baking them. {{image_4}} You can change the filling for empanadas to fit your taste. Here are some great options: - Vegetarian options: Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Add spices like cumin and paprika for flavor. - Chicken or turkey alternatives: Cook shredded chicken or turkey with onions, garlic, and herbs for a tasty filling. - Seafood choices: Try shrimp or crab mixed with cream cheese and herbs. This adds a fresh twist. Empanadas have many regional styles. Each area adds its unique touch: - Traditional Latin-inspired recipes: Fillings often include beef, pork, and spices. These keep true to the classic flavors. - Modern twists on classic empanadas: You might find fillings like buffalo chicken or BBQ pulled pork in some restaurants. - International takes on fillings: In some countries, you may see sweet fillings like fruit or chocolate for a dessert version. How you cook empanadas can change their taste and texture. Here are some methods: - Baking vs. frying: Baking gives a lighter, crispy texture. Frying makes them richer and more indulgent. - Air frying empanadas: This method uses less oil. It still gives a nice crunch while saving calories. - Grilling options for a smoky flavor: Grilling adds a unique flavor. Just seal them well to prevent the filling from leaking out. To keep your empanadas fresh, you have two great options: refrigeration and freezing. - Refrigeration guidelines: Place cooled empanadas in an airtight container. They will stay good for about 3 days in the fridge. - Freezing for later use: If you want to save them longer, freeze the empanadas. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months. Getting your empanadas crispy again is easy. - Best methods to retain crispiness: The oven works best for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crunchy. - Avoiding sogginess: Avoid using the microwave. It can make them soft and soggy instead of crispy. Knowing how long your empanadas last is important. - Freshness expectations: Freshly baked empanadas taste best within 1-2 days. Refrigerated ones stay tasty for about 3 days. - Signs of spoilage: Check for any off smells or mold. If they look dry or hard, it’s best to toss them. Making these empanadas takes about 40 minutes in total. You need 15 minutes to prepare the filling. Cooking the empanadas takes around 25 minutes. This means you can enjoy them in no time! Yes, you can prepare empanadas in advance. Just make the filling and let it cool. You can fill the dough discs and seal them. Store them in the fridge for a day or two. You can also freeze them for up to three months. When ready, just bake or fry them straight from the fridge or freezer. Empanadas taste great with many dips. Here are a few suggestions: - Chimichurri sauce - Zesty salsa - Sour cream - Avocado dip These sauces add flavor and make the meal more fun. Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a big time saver. Look for dough that is labeled “empanada dough” in your grocery store. You can also find it in Latin markets. Just make sure it is thawed before you use it. This way, you can focus on making the filling even more delicious! Beef and cheese empanadas are tasty and easy to make. We covered key ingredients, cooking tools, and tips to assemble and bake perfectly. Don't forget to explore variations or try different cooking methods. Storing leftovers properly keeps them fresh for later. With the right approach, your empanadas will impress friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey, and savor every delicious bite!

Savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Delicious empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Latin American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 package empanada dough discs (approximately 10-12 discs)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • for frying olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, drizzle a small amount of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant.
  • Incorporate the ground beef into the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula and stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked, roughly 7-10 minutes.
  • Season the beef mixture with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for the flavors to blend.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in the shredded cheese and chopped cilantro until everything is evenly combined.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Take one empanada dough disc and place a generous spoonful (1-2 tablespoons) of the beef and cheese mixture in the center.
  • Carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal well. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for both decoration and to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  • Repeat the filling and sealing process with the remaining dough discs and filling mixture until completed.
  • Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish as they bake.
  • Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Once baked, allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with chimichurri or salsa for dipping.
Keyword beef, cheese, empanadas, snack