What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A delicious homemade meal like beef and cheese empanadas, made easy with simple ingredients like ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a quick family favorite, save this idea for later when you want to try a tasty twist on dinner.

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the savory flavors of beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the flaky texture of pastry, all wrapped up in a convenient and delicious package. Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the perfect solution for a quick and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With this recipe, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a mouth-watering dish using everyday ingredients and a few simple steps. The best part? You can customize your empanadas to suit your taste preferences, making them a great option for families, parties, or even as a gift for friends and loved ones.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and spices creates a well-balanced flavor profile that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it a convenient option for home cooks.
• Ease of preparation: The empanada dough can be made from scratch or store-bought, and the filling is quickly cooked and assembled. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy people who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a beautifully presented and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress friends and family. The empanadas can be baked or fried, giving you the flexibility to choose the method that suits your taste and dietary preferences.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Beef & Cheese Empanadas include ground beef, onion, garlic, cheese, empanada dough, and spices. You can use either store-bought or homemade empanada dough, depending on your preference. For the filling, you can customize the recipe by using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, and adding other ingredients like diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs. Some practical substitutions include using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or adding some heat with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using homemade empanada dough, prepare the dough according to the recipe instructions. If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions for thawing and preparation.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Step 3: Once the beef is cooked, stir in the grated cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
4. Step 4: To assemble the empanadas, lay a piece of empanada dough on a flat surface and place 1-2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling in the center of the dough. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water and fold the dough in half, pressing the edges together to seal the empanada. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to handle the empanada dough gently, as it can tear easily. If using homemade dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Don’t overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking or frying.
• For an extra crispy crust, brush the empanadas with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a little water) before baking.

Heat Control

If baking the empanadas, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. If frying, heat about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain the empanadas on paper towels and serve hot.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor of Beef & Cheese Empanadas comes from the flaky empanada dough and the crispy crust that forms during baking or frying. To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to brush the empanadas with a little bit of egg wash before baking, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If frying, use the right temperature and don’t overcook the empanadas, as this can make them greasy and soggy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash, as this will give you a more even and controlled application.
• For a more golden brown crust, sprinkle a little bit of grated cheese or chopped fresh herbs on top of the empanadas before baking.
• To freeze the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake frozen empanadas for an additional 5-10 minutes, until golden brown.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until crispy and hot.
• Freeze empanadas for up to 3 months, as described above.
• For best results, use a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to store the empanadas. This will help keep them fresh and prevent moisture from accumulating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a great gift idea for friends and loved ones, especially during the holiday season. To package them, place a few empanadas in a decorative tin or container, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also include a few dipping sauces, such as salsa or guacamole, and a side of fresh fruit or salad. For a more rustic presentation, place the empanadas in a paper bag or wrap them in a piece of parchment paper, tied with a twine or ribbon.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some heat to your empanadas with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top your empanadas with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sliced avocado, or use a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
• Ingredient swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add some diced ham or bacon for a meaty twist. You can also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the empanada dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour. If it’s too dry, add a little bit of water. If the filling is too dry, add a little bit of cheese or sour cream.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have empanada dough, you can use pie crust or puff pastry as a substitute. If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the empanadas are undercooked, they will be pale and soft. If they’re overcooked, they will be dark brown and crispy. Adjust the baking or frying time accordingly to achieve the perfect texture and color.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the empanadas for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? No, traditional empanada dough contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free empanada dough.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more empanadas. Simply multiply the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and convenient meal option that’s perfect for any occasion. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a flavorful and flaky empanada dough, and how to fill it with a savory beef and cheese mixture. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of Beef & Cheese Empanadas!