Beef and Cheese Empanadas

The warm, golden crust of a freshly baked empanada is the perfect contrast to the savory filling inside. As you take your first bite, the tender beef melts in your mouth, while the melted cheese creates a creamy, slightly tangy balance that brings everything together. The combination of spices—garlic, cumin, and a hint of chili—infuses each bite with deep, rich flavor, giving these empanadas a comforting, yet exciting taste. The best part? They’re incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak the filling to suit your preferences. Add some diced bell peppers or a sprinkle of olives to bring a bit of brightness, or even toss in a handful of fresh cilantro to elevate the flavors.

Cooking them in a hot oven ensures the dough crisps up perfectly, giving each bite that satisfying crunch before the flavors inside hit you. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try frying them instead of baking—they’ll come out golden and crispy, with a slightly richer texture. The great thing about beef and cheese empanadas is how adaptable they are; you can serve them as appetizers at a party, pack them for lunch, or enjoy them as a comforting snack at the end of a long day. The blend of beef and cheese is timeless, and once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in so many cultures. There’s something so satisfying about holding one in your hand, taking a bite, and feeling like you’ve just discovered a little piece of heaven.

Key Ingredients in Beef and Cheese Empanadas

To achieve the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors in your beef and cheese empanadas, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the delicious layers of flavor that make these empanadas a crowd-pleaser.

• Ground Beef
  The foundation of the filling, ground beef brings a rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the spices and cheese. It’s hearty and satisfying, creating the perfect base for the other ingredients.
• Onion, Chopped
  Adding a sweet and slightly sharp flavor, onions bring a bit of sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling. They soften as they cook, blending seamlessly with the beef for a well-rounded taste.
• Garlic, Minced
  A must for any savory dish, garlic adds a punch of flavor and fragrance. Its earthy, pungent notes infuse the filling and enhance the other ingredients.
• Green Olives, Chopped
  The briny, slightly tangy flavor of green olives adds a delightful contrast to the rich beef and cheese. They offer a savory bite that brightens up the filling and gives it a Mediterranean twist.
• Raisins
  The subtle sweetness of raisins provides a beautiful counterpoint to the savory and spicy elements. Their chewy texture adds an unexpected layer of interest to each bite.
• Ground Cumin
  This earthy, warm spice is essential for giving the empanada filling its signature flavor. Cumin adds a bit of smokiness and depth, bringing the other ingredients together in harmony.
• Smoked Paprika
  Smoked paprika infuses the filling with a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that complements the cumin. It gives the empanadas a rich, smoky aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake.
• Salt
  A pinch of salt enhances and balances the flavors, bringing out the natural sweetness of the raisins and the richness of the beef.
• Black Pepper
  Black pepper adds a subtle heat that elevates the other spices. It works hand-in-hand with the cumin and paprika, rounding out the flavor profile.
• Beef Broth
  Beef broth helps to create a moist, flavorful filling. It adds depth and ensures the mixture stays tender and juicy without becoming dry during cooking.
• Olive Oil
  Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, olive oil provides a rich, smooth base for cooking. Its mild, fruity flavor helps to soften the aromatics before adding the beef.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  The star of the filling, shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that blends perfectly with the beef. It also gives the empanadas a gooey, comforting texture inside.
• Empanada Dough (12 Disks)
  Pre-made empanada dough makes this recipe quick and easy. The dough crisps up nicely when baked, creating a delicate, flaky crust that contrasts wonderfully with the rich filling.
• Egg, Beaten (for Egg Wash)
  Brushing the empanadas with a beaten egg before baking gives them that golden, shiny finish. It enhances the crust, giving it a beautiful color and a touch of extra flavor.

How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Cheese Empanadas

1. With a Side of Fresh Salsa
A tangy, vibrant salsa pairs perfectly with the rich and savory empanadas. The cool, zesty burst of tomatoes, cilantro, and lime creates a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy filling. Try a classic tomato salsa or switch it up with a roasted tomato salsa for a smoky twist.

2. Topped with a Creamy Avocado Dip
Creamy avocado dip or guacamole takes these empanadas to the next level. The smooth, buttery texture of the avocado complements the crispy dough and hearty beef filling, adding a cool and creamy finish to each bite.

3. As a Light Dinner with a Simple Salad
For a lighter meal, serve the empanadas alongside a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens will balance the richness of the empanadas and make for a satisfying yet light dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy empanadas? I’d love to hear how you serve them up!

How to Store Beef and Cheese Empanadas

If you happen to have leftovers or want to make a big batch ahead of time, storing your empanadas properly is key to keeping them as fresh and delicious as when they first came out of the oven. The good news is, empanadas store well, and with a little care, they can maintain their crispy crust and flavorful filling.

For storing empanadas in the fridge, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This will prevent any condensation from making the dough soggy. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven to bring back that golden, crispy texture. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven method works best for keeping that perfect crunch.

If you’d like to store your empanadas for a longer period, freezing them is a great option. To do this, lay the uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet and freeze them individually for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into a preheated oven and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes, and they’ll come out just as delicious as fresh.

Lastly, if you prefer to store them after they’ve been baked, simply let them cool and follow the same steps for refrigeration or freezing. If freezing baked empanadas, just be aware that the crust may lose some of its crispiness after reheating, but the flavors will still be spot-on. Whether stored in the fridge or freezer, you’ll always have a quick snack or meal on hand that tastes just as comforting as the first bite.

Conclusion

And there you have it! These beef and cheese empanadas are the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re baking them for a special gathering or enjoying them as a snack after a busy day, these empanadas are sure to satisfy. The best part is their versatility—feel free to get creative with the filling or switch up the spices to make them your own. I can already imagine the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as you bake them up, and trust me, it’s totally worth it.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these empanadas as much as I do. If you try the recipe or have any questions or thoughts along the way, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave me a comment, and let me know how your empanadas turned out. Or if you need a little extra help with any step, I’m here for you. Happy cooking, my friend!

Print Recipe

Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 350

Description

Golden, flaky pastry pockets filled with savory beef, melty cheese, and a blend of spices. Each bite bursts with rich, comforting flavors, making these empanadas a perfect snack or meal to savor on any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¹⁄₂ cup green olives, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup raisins

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 package empanada dough (about 12 disks)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture.
6. Add chopped green olives, raisins, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
7. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything together.
9. Simmer the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
11. Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
14. Take one empanada dough disk and place it on a clean surface.
15. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese mixture into the center of the dough disk.
16. Fold the dough in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
17. Use a fork to press down along the edges of the dough, sealing it tightly.
18. Repeat with the remaining dough disks and filling.
19. Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
20. Place the empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.
21. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
22. Once done, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef mixture to avoid greasy empanadas.
• You can substitute green olives with black olives if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos to the filling.
• Use store-bought empanada dough for convenience, or make your own for a fresh touch.
• Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from the hot filling.

Keywords: beef and cheese empanadas recipe, homemade beef empanadas, cheese empanadas with ground beef, easy empanada recipe, savory empanadas with beef and cheese