What’s the perfect meal to satisfy your Latin food obsession? Beef and cheese empanadas are a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, filled with tender beef and melted cheese, perfect for a family favorite. Try baking them at home for a homemade twist. Save this idea

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

Introduction

Imagine the perfect blend of tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy pastry, all coming together in a delicious package that’s both easy to make and visually stunning. Beef and cheese empanadas are a culinary delight that can elevate any meal or gathering, offering a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. The best part? They’re remarkably easy to prepare, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. This recipe is all about embracing creativity in the kitchen while keeping things simple and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, you’ll find that these empanadas are not only a treat to eat but also a joy to make.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of beef and cheese provides a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist, and the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive results, empanadas are relatively simple to prepare. The filling can be made in advance, and the pastry can be either homemade or store-bought, making this a flexible recipe for any schedule.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of empanadas, especially when served on a blue plate with a text overlay, can make for a beautiful and Instagram-worthy dish that looks like it required much more effort than it actually did.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for beef and cheese empanadas include ground beef, onions, garlic, cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), empanada pastry (which can be homemade or store-bought), and olive oil. For the beef, you can use either ground beef or a combination of ground beef and pork for added flavor. The cheese can be any melty variety, though cheddar and mozzarella are classics. If you’re making your own pastry, you’ll need flour, salt, and vegetable shortening. Practical substitutions include using different types of cheese or adding spices to the beef for extra flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions and garlic finely, and if you’re making your own empanada pastry, combine the flour and salt in a bowl and then add the shortening, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Cook the ground beef in a pan with some olive oil until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Then, add any desired spices and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Once the beef mixture is ready, let it cool slightly. If using store-bought pastry, follow the package instructions to thaw it. Roll out the pastry to a thickness that’s easy to work with, and use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of pastry.
4. Step 4: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto one half of each pastry circle, top with some shredded cheese, and then fold the pastry in half to enclose the filling. Press the edges together to seal the empanada, using a fork to crimp the edges if desired. Brush the tops with a little bit of olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful tips for making empanadas is to not overfill them, as this can make them difficult to seal and can lead to filling leaking out during baking. Also, keeping the pastry and filling cool can help prevent the pastry from becoming too soft and hard to work with.

Heat Control

For baking the empanadas, the ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and they should be baked for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. It’s also important to keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as the pastry can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in empanadas comes from the baked pastry, which should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. To achieve this, it’s crucial not to overwork the pastry dough and to bake the empanadas at the right temperature for the right amount of time. Brushing the tops with a little olive oil before baking can also help enhance the crunch and color of the pastry.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip for better results is to chill the empanadas in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the pastry to relax and can result in a flakier, more tender crust. Additionally, using a variety of cheeses can add depth to the filling, and adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder can give the beef a boost of flavor.

Storage Tips

• For storing empanadas, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, empanadas can be frozen before baking and then baked frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. The best containers for storing empanadas are those that are airtight and can prevent moisture from affecting the pastry.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting empanadas, they can be packaged in a variety of ways to make a beautiful and thoughtful present. Consider placing them in a decorative tin or basket, wrapped in parchment paper or a clean cloth. A ribbon or a gift tag with a personal message can add a touching element. For a more rustic look, empanadas can be wrapped individually in parchment paper and twine, perfect for a homemade gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika can give the beef a unique flavor profile.
• Creative toppings: Before baking, empanadas can be topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Using ground pork or chorizo instead of beef can add a different dimension of flavor, and experimenting with various types of cheese can also alter the taste significantly.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pastry is too soft, it may be too warm. Try chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit. If the filling is too dry, you can add a bit more cheese or a spoonful of salsa.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have certain spices or ingredients, feel free to substitute with similar alternatives. The key is to maintain a balance of flavors.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the empanadas while they’re baking. If the pastry starts to brown too quickly, cover the tops with foil. If they’re not browning, you might need to increase the oven temperature slightly.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, empanadas can be frozen before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen solid.
• Is it gluten-free? If you’re using a homemade pastry made with gluten-free flour, then yes, the empanadas can be gluten-free. However, store-bought pastry may contain gluten, so it’s best to check the ingredients.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, you can double or even triple the recipe if you’re planning for a larger gathering. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re baking a large batch at once.

Conclusion

Making beef and cheese empanadas is a fun and rewarding culinary adventure that can add a touch of excitement to any meal. With their perfect balance of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch. Whether you’re a foodie, a busy parent, or just someone who loves to cook, these empanadas are a great choice for any occasion. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and discover the joy of making and sharing delicious food with others.