How to Make Homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Empanadas are a delicious, versatile dish that has roots in Latin American cuisine but is loved worldwide. These handheld pastries, filled with savory or sweet fillings, can be baked or fried to a golden crisp. This recipe focuses on Beef & Cheese Empanadas, featuring a flavorful, seasoned beef mixture paired with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for parties, game days, or even a hearty snack, these empanadas are a sure hit! Let’s dive into the recipe, step-by-step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
1 tsp pepper

1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp chili powder

8 oz can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp diced jalapeños (optional for extra spice)

For the Assembly:

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
2 boxes Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust
1 egg
Flour, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

Start by cooking the ground beef in a large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then return the beef mixture to the pan.

2. Season and Simmer

Once the beef is cooked, season it with cumin, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or your favorite Cajun seasoning), pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Add in the tomato sauce and diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the filling is savory and flavorful.

3. Prepare the Pie Crusts

While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour and unroll the Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crusts. Using a 4-inch bowl or cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Each pie crust should give you about four circles, which will serve as the base for your empanadas.

4. Assemble the Empanadas

To assemble your empanadas, place a circle of dough on the floured surface. Moisten the edges with water to help seal the pastry. Add a small amount of grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the center of each dough circle. Then, add about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture on top. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and use a fork to press and seal the edges. This helps prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

5. Apply the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Using a basting brush, lightly coat the tops of each empanada. This step will give them a golden, glossy finish after baking.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas are ready to serve! They are delicious on their own but even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips for Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Hot or Cold: These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they also make a great room-temperature snack.
Dipping Sauces: Try pairing them with salsa, chimichurri, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, zesty finish.
Side Dishes: Serve alongside a fresh salad, rice and beans, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigeration: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Freezing: You can freeze empanadas before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling creative, try these exciting variations on the classic Beef & Cheese Empanadas:

Chicken and Cheese Empanadas

Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. Season with taco seasoning, mix in some grated cheese and diced green chilies for a flavorful twist.

Vegetarian Empanadas

Swap out the beef for a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans. Add smoked paprika for an extra punch of flavor.

Breakfast Empanadas

Fill with scrambled eggs, crumbled breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa for a breakfast treat!

Pizza Empanadas

For a pizza-inspired version, fill with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices. Add Italian seasoning for that pizza flavor in every bite.

FAQs

What are empanadas?

Empanadas are a popular Latin American pastry typically filled with savory or sweet ingredients. The dough is folded over the filling to form a half-moon shape and then baked or fried.

Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the empanadas ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for future use.

How do I properly seal empanadas?

To seal, moisten the edges of the dough with water or beaten egg and press them together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.

Can I bake frozen empanadas?

Absolutely! You can bake empanadas straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What sauces go well with empanadas?

Beef and cheese empanadas pair well with salsa verde, chimichurri, sour cream, or a spicy tomato sauce.

How do I prevent empanadas from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy empanadas, make sure the filling isn’t too watery and don’t overfill the dough. Also, baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crispy crust.

These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a crowd-pleaser, with their crispy crust and savory filling. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe allows you to create your own delicious empanadas from scratch, ensuring they’ll be a hit every time!