Oh my goodness, let me tell you about beef cheese empanadas! These little pockets of joy are not just food; they’re an experience! Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crust that gives way to a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! I remember making these with my family as a kid, and the smell of them baking would fill the house, making us all gather around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for the first batch to come out. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to snack for any occasion—game nights, parties, or just because you deserve something delicious!
Ingredients for Beef Cheese Empanadas
To make these delicious beef cheese empanadas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite type works wonders!)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 package empanada dough (store-bought makes it super easy!)
- 1 egg, beaten (for that golden egg wash on top)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create something truly special!
How to Prepare Beef Cheese Empanadas
Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making beef cheese empanadas is easier than you might think, and I’ll guide you through it step by step. Just follow along, and before you know it, you’ll have a tray full of golden, crispy goodness!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure that your empanadas bake evenly and come out perfectly crispy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Now, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let those flavors meld together for another minute or so. Remove from heat and mix in that glorious shredded cheese until it’s all melted and delicious!
Step 3: Fill the Dough
Let’s fill those empanada dough rounds! Take a round of dough and place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Be sure not to overfill; you don’t want it spilling out! Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Then, using a fork, press down on the edges to seal them tightly—this is key to keeping all that tasty filling inside while baking!
Step 4: Bake the Empanadas
Place your empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush the tops with that beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they smell amazing and look irresistible!
Tips for Making Perfect Beef Cheese Empanadas
Alright, let’s talk tips to take your beef cheese empanadas from good to absolutely amazing! First, don’t rush the browning of your beef; that caramelization adds so much flavor. If you can, let the filling cool slightly before filling the dough—this helps prevent soggy empanadas. When sealing the edges, try to get rid of any air pockets; it’ll help keep everything intact during baking. Oh, and here’s a little secret: brush the tops with the egg wash *and* sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking for an extra crunch and flavor boost! You can also experiment with different cheeses—like pepper jack for a little kick. Trust me, these small tweaks will make a world of difference!
Nutritional Information for Beef Cheese Empanadas
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into these beef cheese empanadas! Each empanada is estimated to have about 250 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein, making them a satisfying snack. You’ll also get around 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is perfect for a little energy boost. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. So, enjoy these tasty bites with a little peace of mind!
FAQ About Beef Cheese Empanadas
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! One of the best things about beef cheese empanadas is how versatile they are. You can use any shredded cheese you love—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a little kick! Each cheese will bring its unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt better than others, so if you’re looking for that gooey, melty goodness, stick with cheeses known for melting well!
How can I freeze empanadas?
Freezing empanadas is a fantastic way to have a quick snack on hand! To do this, prepare your empanadas as usual but don’t bake them. Instead, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just bake them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time for the best results.
What can I serve with beef cheese empanadas?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these empanadas with a side of fresh salsa or a zesty avocado sauce for dipping. You can also pair them with a simple salad for a light meal or even some crispy tortilla chips if you’re feeling snacky! For a fun twist, try adding some pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Whatever you choose, these empanadas are sure to shine as the star of the plate!
Why You’ll Love Beef Cheese Empanadas
- Incredible flavor with a savory beef and cheese combination
- Easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Versatile filling options to suit every taste
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later enjoyment
- Perfectly crispy crust that satisfies every craving
- Fun to share at gatherings or enjoy solo as a snack
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover beef cheese empanadas is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them as mentioned earlier—just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat your empanadas in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option—just a few minutes at 350°F will do the trick! Enjoy them fresh and crispy, just like the first time!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of beef, you can check out Beef It’s What’s for Dinner. Additionally, if you’re interested in different types of empanadas, visit The Spruce Eats for some great recipes!
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Beef Cheese Empanadas: 5 Steps to Delicious Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious beef cheese empanadas filled with savory meat and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 package empanada dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Take empanada dough and fill each round with beef mixture.
- Fold dough over and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use your favorite cheese for a different flavor.
- Serve with salsa or avocado sauce.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: beef cheese empanadas
