What’s the secret to a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both easy and impressive? It starts with tender beef and melted cheese wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry, baked to perfection. Beef and cheese are the stars of this quick family favorite recipe, made with simple ingredients. Save this idea for your next homemade empanada night, it’s sure to become a staple. Try it soon!

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the flakiness of pastry, all in one delicious package. Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a culinary dream come true, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests craving for more. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients and some basic kitchen skills. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to impress, and with its flexibility, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and cheese provides a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist, and the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The empanada dough can be made from scratch or store-bought, and the filling comes together in minutes, making this a great option for a quick dinner or snack.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their elegant appearance, empanadas are surprisingly easy to assemble and bake, making them perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

Key Ingredients

To make Beef and Cheese Empanadas, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the dough, you’ll need flour, salt, and vegetable shortening. For the filling, ground beef, onion, garlic, cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), and a sprinkle of cumin are essential. You can also customize your empanadas with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce. Practical substitutions include using ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and experimenting with different types of cheese for varying flavors.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and garlic, and shredding the cheese. If making the empanada dough from scratch, combine the flour and salt in a bowl, add the shortening, and gradually incorporate warm water until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Step 2: Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent. Season with cumin and a pinch of salt. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s well combined with the beef mixture.
3. Step 3: Divide the empanada dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll out each ball into a thin circle. Place a tablespoon or two of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle shape, and press the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
4. Step 4: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each empanada. Brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash or water. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Leave a small border around the filling to allow for even sealing.
• For an extra crispy crust, brush the empanadas with a little bit of oil before baking.
• Experiment with different filling ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. Some ideas include diced ham, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or sautéed spinach.

Heat Control

When baking the empanadas, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature to ensure they cook evenly and come out golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as the baking time may vary depending on the size of your empanadas and your oven’s performance. They’re done when they’re lightly browned on the top and bottom, and firm to the touch.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the perfect crunch on your empanadas can elevate them from good to great. To get a crispy crust, make sure the oven is at the right temperature, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. You can also try baking them for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. However, be careful not to overbake, as this can make the empanadas dry and tough.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash or water, as this helps create a smooth, even finish on the empanadas.
• To freeze empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer until they’re frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for later use.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought empanada dough or pre-made pie crusts. This can save you time and effort, especially if you’re short on time or not feeling like making dough from scratch.

Storage Tips

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• To freeze, follow the instructions above. Frozen empanadas can be stored for up to 3 months. Simply bake them frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• When storing empanadas, it’s best to keep them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged in a thoughtful and attractive way. Consider placing a batch of empanadas in a decorative tin or basket, wrapped in colorful paper or cloth. You could also include a side of salsa or a green salad for a complete meal. For a more personal touch, add a handwritten note or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of the empanadas.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or some dried oregano for a more herbal flavor.
• Creative toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce, to let everyone customize their empanadas to their liking.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option. You could also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your empanadas turn out too dense or tough, it may be due to overworking the dough. Try to mix and knead the dough just until it comes together, and avoid overrolling the dough when shaping the empanadas.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a particular ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute it with something similar. For example, you could use ground pork instead of beef, or cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your empanadas while they’re baking, and check for signs of doneness such as a golden brown color and a firm texture. If they’re undercooked, they may be pale and soft; if they’re overcooked, they may be dark brown and dry.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer until they’re frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? The empanada dough typically contains gluten, but you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to adjust the liquid content and kneading time as needed.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more empanadas. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger batch may take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, meaty flavor and crispy, cheesy crust, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy cooking!