Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Featured in Perfect Party Bites and Snack Recipes.

Beef and Cheese Empanadas are delicious, golden-brown hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices. Made with a homemade dough or store-bought shortcut, these empanadas are easy to prepare and bake to perfection. Serve them warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Customize the filling with corn, peppers, or black beans, or freeze extras for later. A must-try for anyone who loves savory, handheld snacks!
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Updated on Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:54:35 GMT
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Beef and Cheese Empanadas transform humble ingredients into golden half-moons of pure comfort that delight with every bite. These savory hand pies feature a perfectly flaky crust embracing a richly spiced filling of seasoned ground beef and melty cheese. Each empanada delivers the perfect balance of crispy exterior and succulent interior, making them ideal for everything from casual snacking to elegant entertaining.

After serving these at a neighborhood gathering, my friend who grew up in Argentina paid me the ultimate compliment: "These remind me of the empanadas my grandmother made – authentic flavor with that perfect balance of meat and cheese."

Essential Elements

  • Quality ground beef: Creates the flavorful foundation
  • Fresh aromatics: Build essential depth of flavor
  • Warm spices: Provide authentic character
  • Tomato paste: Adds concentrated richness
  • Cheese blend: Creates perfect melty pockets
  • Butter-rich dough: Develops flaky, golden crust
  • Proper crimping: Ensures filling stays secure
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Creating Perfect Empanadas

Dough Preparation:
Keep ingredients cold for maximum flakiness. Work butter into flour just until crumbly.
Filling Development:
Build flavors in layers for depth. Allow cooling before assembly to prevent melting dough.
Assembly Technique:
Fill generously but not excessively. Seal edges completely to prevent leakage.
Finishing Touch:
Apply egg wash thoroughly for golden color. Create steam vents for proper cooking.

My grandmother always said the mark of a perfect empanada was "a crust that shatters gently and a filling that makes you close your eyes with pleasure." This recipe honors that wisdom.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these versatile empanadas with a variety of dipping options like salsa verde, cilantro-lime crema, or chimichurri sauce. A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables complete a hearty meal.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for heat or queso fresco for authenticity. Try adding diced potatoes, corn, or roasted peppers to the filling. Create a breakfast version with scrambled eggs and bacon.

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Storage Success

Store unbaked empanadas in the freezer for up to three months. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen by adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

After perfecting this recipe through countless gatherings, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper chilling of the dough, the thoughtful seasoning of the filling, and the careful crimping of each edge. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, these Beef and Cheese Empanadas deliver satisfaction in every golden, flaky bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought empanada dough, pie crust, or puff pastry works as a time-saver.
→ Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or add more veggies like corn and black beans.
→ How do I freeze empanadas?
Assemble the empanadas and freeze them unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
→ Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, deep-fry in vegetable oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
→ What dipping sauces go well with empanadas?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chimichurri are great options.

Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas are savory hand pies filled with ground beef, cheese, and spices. Baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect for snacks or appetizers!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 empanadas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 ½ lb (225 g) ground beef
03 ½ small onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
06 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
08 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 ½ teaspoon salt
10 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
12 ¼ cup (30 g) chopped green olives (optional)
13 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Empanada Dough

14 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
15 ½ teaspoon salt
16 ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
17 1 large egg, beaten
18 ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water

→ Assembling

19 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
20 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg and cold water. Mix until a dough forms. If too dry, add water, 1 teaspoon at a time. Knead lightly, shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then stir in cheese, olives (optional), and parsley.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out chilled dough to ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Cut out 4–5 inch (10–12 cm) circles. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges to seal and crimp with a fork. Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash and brush over empanadas.

Step 04

Place empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 05

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Notes

  1. Add corn, diced peppers, or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
  2. Use store-bought empanada dough, pie crust, or puff pastry for a shortcut.
  3. Assemble and freeze empanadas unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cooking time.
  4. For a fried option, deep-fry in vegetable oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Pastry cutter or fingertips
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling pin
  • Round cutter (4–5 inches)
  • Fork

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (flour)
  • Dairy (butter, cheese)
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 9 g