Golden Crispy Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe for All to Enjoy

Flaky pastry pockets bursting with savory beef and melted cheese in these irresistible empanadas transport you straight to culinary bliss.

Golden-brown edges promise a delightful crunch that hints at the delectable filling waiting inside.

These handheld delights emerge from the oven with a tempting aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.

Crisp pastry shells cradle a rich mixture of seasoned ground beef and gooey cheese, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a crowd-pleasing treat that works magic as an appetizer or main course.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of crisp exterior and succulent interior that keeps people coming back for more.

You’ll find these empanadas become an instant favorite at any gathering, guaranteed to disappear faster than you can serve them.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, meaty base with deep flavor profile, choose lean cuts for less grease.
• Onions: Adds sweet aromatic foundation, select fresh firm onions for best texture.
• Garlic: Delivers intense savory note, pick plump cloves without sprouting.
• Green Olives: Introduces briny, tangy complexity to filling, opt for pitted varieties.
• Raisins: Brings subtle sweetness that balances savory elements, use soft, moist raisins.
• Cheese: Creates creamy binding texture, select melting varieties like cheddar or monterey jack.

• Cumin: Provides warm earthy undertones, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.
• Paprika: Adds gentle smoky depth, choose high-quality Spanish or Hungarian varieties.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste profile, use kosher or sea salt for better mineral notes.
• Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground gives superior taste.

• Flour: Creates structural base for pastry, use all-purpose for consistent texture.
• Butter: Ensures flaky, rich crust, select cold unsalted butter for best results.
• Cold Water: Helps bind ingredients, use filtered water for pure taste.

Tools That Help You Prep Beef and Cheese Empanadas Easily

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the beef filling.
• Pastry cutter or hands: Perfect for mixing butter into flour.
• Rolling pin: Crucial for rolling out the empanada dough evenly.
• Round cutter or small bowl: Needed to cut dough into perfect circles.
• Baking sheet: Allows empanadas to bake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents empanadas from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Fork: Great for crimping empanada edges.
• Large bowl: Used for mixing dough ingredients.
• Plastic wrap: Helps chill and rest the dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Fill and Seal Beef and Cheese Empanadas Just Right

• Create Flavorful Filling

Brown ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic. Season generously with spices, creating a rich and aromatic mixture. Mix in green olives and raisins for a surprising flavor burst. Allow the filling to cool slightly and incorporate melted cheese for a creamy texture.

• Craft Tender Dough

Blend flour and cold butter until crumbly. Slowly add cold water, kneading until smooth and elastic. Allow dough to rest in refrigerator for maximum tenderness. Chill for at least 30 minutes to develop perfect consistency.

• Shape Delicious Pockets

Roll dough thin on floured surface. Cut into circular shapes. Spoon beef mixture into center of each circle. Fold dough over, creating half-moon parcels. Seal edges firmly by pressing with fork tines.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg for beautiful golden color. Bake at 375F until pastry turns crispy and golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.

• Serve and Savor

Allow empanadas to cool briefly. Pair with zesty salsa or creamy guacamole. Enjoy these delectable handheld treats as appetizers or main course.

Flavor Tips for Savory, Crispy Empanadas

• Handle the dough gently and minimally to keep it tender, avoiding overworking which can make empanadas tough and chewy.
• Prepare empanadas ahead of time, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals that bake directly from frozen.
• Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives to create a delicious meat-free version packed with protein and flavor.
• Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the mix contains xanthan gum for better dough elasticity and preventing crumbling during baking.
• Adjust heat by adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the filling for those who enjoy a spicier empanada experience without overwhelming the original recipe.

Serve Empanadas with Dips or Salsas

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange empanadas on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like salsa verde, chimichurri, and spicy aioli for a festive presentation that will impress guests.
• Brunch Brilliance: Pair these empanadas with a light mixed green salad and crisp white wine for an elegant weekend brunch that feels sophisticated yet comforting.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack empanadas in a portable container for outdoor adventures, making them an ideal handheld meal for park gatherings, beach trips, or roadside lunch stops.
• Leftover: Reheat empanadas in an air fryer or toaster oven to maintain their crispy exterior, and serve alongside a fresh salad for a quick and delicious next-day meal.

Store and Reheat Beef Empanadas the Right Way

• Store cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stack them carefully with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Uncooked empanadas can be frozen flat on a baking sheet, then transferred to freezer bags. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Prepare filling and dough a day ahead and assemble just before baking. This technique saves time and allows flavors to develop more intensely.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed empanadas in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain pastry's crunchiness.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in the beef and cheese filling?

The key ingredients are ground beef, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, green olives, raisins, and cheese. These components create a rich, flavorful mixture with a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes.

• How do I ensure my empanada dough is perfect?

Work with cold butter and cold water, and don’t overwork the dough. Knead it gently for about 5 minutes until smooth, and always let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help it become more manageable and create a flakier texture.

• Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Store the filling in the refrigerator and the dough wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also assemble the empanadas and freeze them uncooked, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• What techniques help seal the empanadas properly?

Use your fingers to pinch the edges of the dough together firmly, then crimp with a fork. This not only ensures a tight seal but also creates an attractive decorative edge that prevents the filling from leaking during baking.

Crispy Beef And Cheese Empanadas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich Colombian Beef and Cheese Empanadas deliver a savory handheld experience that blends spiced ground beef with melted cheese in a crispy pastry shell. Satisfying palates with each bite, you’ll discover a delicious journey through Latin American culinary traditions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (225 g) ground beef
• ½ cup (50 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (30 g) green olives, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
• 1 tbsp water
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté Mixture: Create a flavor foundation by softening onions and garlic in a skillet, then introduce ground beef. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, thoroughly crumbling the meat during cooking.
2. Develop Filling: Fold green olives and raisins into the seasoned beef, then integrate cheese to form a harmonious, textured mixture. Allow the filling to cool and meld flavors.
3. Prepare Dough: Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse sand. Gradually introduce cold water, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
4. Chill and Prepare: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to enhance its consistency. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Shape and Fill: Cut circular dough pieces using a round cutter. Place a spoonful of beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle, then fold into a half-moon shape. Seal edges by crimping with a fork.
6. Bake and Finish: Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy exterior. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry becomes crisp and rich golden brown.
7. Serve: Let empanadas cool briefly. Plate with complementary condiments like salsa, guacamole, or a zesty dipping sauce to elevate the culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Seasoning: Balance cumin and paprika carefully to prevent overpowering the delicate beef flavor, ensuring each bite offers a harmonious taste experience.
• Prevent Dough Toughness: Handle pastry dough minimally to maintain flakiness; overworking can develop gluten and create dense, chewy empanadas.
• Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess beef liquid after cooking to avoid soggy pastry, which can compromise the crisp exterior and structural integrity.
• Smart Filling Temperature: Cool beef mixture completely before adding cheese to prevent melting and maintain distinct ingredient textures during baking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg