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Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas
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These Beef and Cheese Empanadas feature crispy, golden crusts filled with tender seasoned beef and melty cheese. Ideal as a quick snack, appetizer, or meal, they offer a flavorful, satisfying bite that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and customizable for various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or preferred type)

Dough

  • 1 package store-bought empanada dough discs or homemade dough rolled to 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 5-inch circles

Finishing

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly before stirring in the shredded cheese.
  2. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought, separate the dough discs and place on a floured surface. If homemade, roll dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 5-inch diameter circles to form the empanada shells.
  3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill to avoid bursting during cooking.
  4. Seal the Edges: Moisten the edges of the dough with water or beaten egg, fold over to form a half-moon shape, and press firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork for a tight seal and decorative finish.
  5. Cook the Empanadas: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with egg wash for a golden crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Alternatively, fry in hot oil until crispy and cooked through.

Notes

  • Don’t overfill the empanadas to prevent bursting during cooking.
  • Chill the filling before adding cheese and assembling to prevent melting through the dough.
  • Use egg wash on dough edges for better sealing and an attractive golden finish.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • Fresh onions, garlic, and quality cheese enhance the flavor significantly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, savory pastries, Latin American appetizers, easy empanadas

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