What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade empanadas filled with tender beef and melted cheese, baked to perfection. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal.

beef and cheese empanadas on a blue plate with text overlay that reads beef and cheese empanadas

Introduction

Imagine the perfect blend of savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy pastry, all coming together in a delicious package known as beef and cheese empanadas. These Latin American pastries are not only a treat to eat, but they’re also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dish that’s sure to impress. With everyday ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a snack or meal that’s both flavorful and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, beef and cheese empanadas are a great way to explore the world of international cuisine without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of beef, cheese, and pastry provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures, and the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive results, empanadas are surprisingly easy to make, with a simple filling and a straightforward pastry preparation process.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of empanadas, especially when served on a blue plate with a text overlay, makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress friends and family, all without requiring extensive culinary skills.

Key Ingredients

To make beef and cheese empanadas, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These include ground beef, which can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, which adds a rich, melted flavor. You’ll also need empanada pastry, which can be homemade or store-bought, depending on your preference.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, prepare your filling by cooking the ground beef in a pan until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add diced onions, garlic, and any desired spices to the pan and cook until the onions are translucent.
2. Step 2: Once the filling is ready, let it cool slightly before assembling the empanadas. If using store-bought pastry, follow the package instructions to thaw it. If making your own pastry, roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Step 3: To assemble the empanadas, place a tablespoon or two of the beef filling onto the center of a pastry circle, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Fold the pastry in half over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
4. Step 4: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each one. Brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash or water, and then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Serve warm on a blue plate, with a text overlay that reads “beef and cheese empanadas” for a fun and personalized touch.

Handy Tips

• When working with pastry, keep it cold, as this will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too sticky or difficult to work with.
• Don’t overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Leave a little room around the edges for the filling to expand.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and spices to find the combination that you like best. Some other options might include diced bell peppers, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or a sprinkle of cumin.

Heat Control

When baking the empanadas, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing to ensure that they’re cooked through without becoming too brown. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and the empanadas should be baked for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Check on them after 10 minutes and rotate the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of empanadas comes from the pastry, which should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To achieve this, make sure to brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash or water before baking, and don’t overbake. If you prefer a crisper pastry, you can try baking the empanadas for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a variety of cheeses for a richer flavor. Mixing different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, can add depth and complexity to the empanadas.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings. A pinch of cumin or a sprinkle of paprika can add a unique twist to the traditional beef and cheese filling.
• Keep the pastry cold by placing it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before assembling the empanadas. This will help the pastry to hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too sticky or difficult to work with.

Storage Tips

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy and warm.
• Empanadas can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
• When storing empanadas, make sure to keep them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give empanadas as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or basket. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift bag or container. Add a personalized touch by including a card with the recipe or a note with serving suggestions. For a more elaborate presentation, arrange the empanadas on a platter or tray and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cumin, a sprinkle of paprika, or a dash of chili powder to the beef filling for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Top the empanadas with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, or a slice of diced tomato for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option. You can also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a tangy flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pastry is too sticky, try adding a little bit of flour. If it’s too dry, try adding a little bit of water.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. If you don’t have cheese, you can omit it or substitute it with a different type of cheese.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the empanadas are undercooked, they may be pale and soft. If they’re overcooked, they may be dark brown and crispy. Check on them frequently during the baking time to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, empanadas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? No, traditional empanada pastry contains gluten. However, you can make gluten-free empanadas by using a gluten-free flour blend and adjusting the recipe accordingly.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more empanadas. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Making beef and cheese empanadas is a fun and rewarding process that’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new in the kitchen. With their crispy pastry, savory beef filling, and melted cheese, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite snack or meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and unique. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, beef and cheese empanadas are a great way to explore the world of international cuisine and share your creations with friends and family.