Tasty Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe That Wows

Savory spices dance through this delectable ground beef empanadas recipe that promises pure comfort.

Golden pastry pockets stuffed with zesty beef capture the essence of Latin American cuisine.

Every crisp bite reveals melted cheese and perfectly seasoned meat nestled within flaky dough.

These handheld delights pack incredible flavor into each compact package.

Traditional techniques blend with simple ingredients to create an irresistible meal you can enjoy anytime.

The combination of ground beef and melted cheese makes these empanadas an instant crowd-pleaser.

Bring the warmth of homemade cooking to your table with this mouthwatering classic that everyone will love.

Cheesy Beef Empanadas That Wow

• Savor Spicy Flavor Explosion: Bursting with bold, zesty seasonings that dance on your taste buds, these empanadas deliver a mouthwatering punch of Mexican-inspired goodness.
• Quick Kitchen Hack: Using ready-made pie crust and simple ingredients transforms this recipe into a super-fast meal perfect for busy cooks who want delicious results without complex preparation.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Handheld, cheesy, and packed with seasoned beef, these empanadas appeal to kids and adults alike, making them ideal for casual dinners or game day gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with cool dips like salsa or guacamole, creating a customizable meal that lets everyone enjoy their favorite flavor combinations and textures.

What Goes Into Ground Beef Empanadas

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the delicious base of the empanadas.
• Onions: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the filling.
• Garlic: Brings a rich, aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty and creamy texture inside the empanadas.
• Egg: Creates a golden and shiny crust when used as a wash.

• Pie Crust: Serves as the crispy and flaky exterior of the empanadas.

• Cumin, Garlic Salt, Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, Black Pepper, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Chili Powder: A bold blend of spices that brings exciting flavor to the beef.

• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and tangy richness to the meat filling.
• Jalapeños: Provides a spicy kick to the empanada mixture.

• Water: Used to help seal the empanada edges.

• Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream: Delicious accompaniments to enhance the empanadas.

Steps for Making Cheesy Empanadas

Step 1: Kickstart The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) so it’s perfectly ready for baking.

Step 2: Sizzle The Meat

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the beef turns completely brown.

Drain any extra grease and return the mixture to the pan.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Cumin
• Garlic salt
• Slap Ya Mama seasoning
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Chili powder

Stir everything together for maximum taste.

Step 4: Create The Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and toss in jalapeños.

Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.

Take off the heat and let it cool down slightly.

Step 5: Roll Out The Dough

Dust a surface with flour and unroll your pie crust.

Use a 4-inch round cutter or an upside-down bowl to cut perfect circles.

Each pie crust will give you about 4 circles.

Step 6: Build Your Empanadas

Brush the edges of each dough circle with water to help seal them.

Sprinkle some shredded cheese in the center and add about ¼ cup of beef mixture.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

Crimp the edges with a fork to lock in all the deliciousness.

Step 7: Apply The Golden Glaze

Whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water.

Brush this mixture over the tops of your empanadas to create a beautiful golden finish.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place your empanadas on a lined baking sheet.

Slide them into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Serve With Flair

Carefully pull the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Serve them up with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra flavor kick.

Tips for Perfect Empanada Filling

• Use a fork to firmly crimp the empanada edges, preventing filling from leaking during baking. Press down consistently to create a tight seal.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes and chili powder based on your heat tolerance. Start with less and taste, then add more for a spicier kick.
• Choose melting cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for maximum flavor and gooey texture inside the empanadas.
• Prepare uncooked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Prepare the beef filling up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator. This helps develop deeper flavors and makes assembly faster when you're ready to cook.

Store and Warm Ground Beef Empanadas

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through, maintaining their crispy exterior.
• Microwave for 30-45 seconds, but note this method might soften the crust. For better texture, follow oven reheating method.

Empanada Side Pairing Suggestions

• Pair Spicy Salsa Verde: Tart, zesty green salsa cuts through the rich, cheesy beef empanadas, balancing the heavy flavors with bright, tangy notes.
• Crisp Mexican Lager Pairing: Light, refreshing beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis neutralizes the spicy seasoning and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Creamy Avocado Lime Crema: Cool, smooth dipping sauce with fresh lime juice provides a perfect counterpoint to the warm, spicy empanada filling, enhancing overall taste experience.
• Quick Cilantro Slaw: Crunchy, herbaceous side salad with shredded cabbage and cilantro adds refreshing texture and lightness to the hearty empanada dish.

Twists for Cheesy Beef Empanadas

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based version that maintains the same hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Crust Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour-based dough to make these empanadas suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spice-Level Adjustment: Reduce or eliminate jalapeños and red pepper flakes for a milder version, or add more chili powder for extra heat-seekers who love bold flavors.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.

FAQs

• Are empanadas originally from a specific country?

Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, and were brought to Latin America by Spanish colonizers, where they became a popular street food and cultural staple across many countries.

• Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the empanadas and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, baking directly from frozen with a slightly longer cooking time.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Shredded cheddar, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent choices. They melt well and complement the beef’s robust flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat from red pepper flakes, jalapeños, and chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or eliminating these ingredients to suit your taste preference.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory ground beef empanadas blend Latin American comfort with irresistible cheese-filled pastry pockets. Crisp golden shells cradle spiced meat, promising a delightful bite that will transport you straight to culinary bliss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) diced jalapenos (optional, for spice)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 ounces (226 grams) can tomato sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), ensuring a perfectly crisp environment for the empanadas.
2. In a generously sized skillet, transform the ground beef over medium heat, incorporating finely chopped onions and garlic until the meat loses its raw appearance. Eliminate excess lipids by draining thoroughly.
3. Elevate the meat’s flavor profile by sprinkling a harmonious blend of cumin, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Thoroughly intermingle the spices with the meat mixture.
4. Introduce vibrant tomato sauce and zesty jalapeños to the skillet, stirring meticulously. Allow the mixture to meld and develop depth by simmering gently for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
5. Establish a pristine work surface with a light dusting of flour. Carefully unfurl the pie crust and utilize a 4-inch circular cutter or improvised round template to craft precise dough circles, extracting approximately four from each crust.
6. Initiate the assembly process by delicately moistening the dough’s perimeter with water to facilitate a secure seal.
7. Strategically position a modest portion of shredded cheese and approximately ¼ cup of the seasoned beef mixture at the circle’s center.
8. Execute a precise fold, transforming the circle into an elegant half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly with fork tines to create a decorative and functional seal.
9. Craft an egg wash by whisking an egg with water, then tenderly brush the empanadas’ surface to achieve a lustrous, golden finish.
10. Arrange the prepared empanadas on a lined baking sheet, then slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until the crust develops a beautiful golden-brown complexion.
11. After removing from the oven, allow a brief cooling period. Serve these delectable parcels alongside complementary condiments like salsa, guacamole, or cooling sour cream for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and chili powder according to personal heat tolerance.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternatives.
• Prep empanadas ahead of time and freeze unbaked for convenient future meals; add extra 5-7 minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
• Use store-bought pie crust for quick assembly or make homemade dough for authentic texture and flavor enhancement.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg