The Best Beef And Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Beef and cheese empanadas are a delightful and savory treat that is perfect for any occasion. These tasty pastries are filled with seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, and wrapped in a crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, beef and cheese empanadas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
| Servings | Total |
| 12 Empanadas | 55mins |
History of Beef And Cheese Empanadas
Empanadas have a long and rich history that dates back to medieval Spain. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means to wrap or coat in bread. Empanadas were created as a way to preserve food, with the dough acting as a seal to keep the filling fresh. Over time, empanadas spread to other parts of the world, including Latin America, where they are now a popular dish enjoyed by people of all ages.
Why Choose Beef And Cheese Empanadas
Beef and cheese empanadas are a great choice for a meal or snack because they are portable, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. The combination of savory beef melted cheese, and crispy crust is irresistible, making these empanadas a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste.
What are Beef And Cheese Empanadas Made of?
Beef and cheese empanadas are made from simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. The main components of this dish are ground beef, cheese, onions, garlic, and spices, all wrapped in a dough made from flour, water, and butter. You can also add other ingredients such as peppers, olives, or raisins to add extra flavor and texture to your empanadas.
What to Have with Beef And Cheese Empanadas
Beef and cheese empanadas can be served on their own as a snack or appetizer, or you can serve them with a side salad or salsa for a more complete meal. They also pair well with rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Is Beef and Cheese Empanadas Healthy?
While beef and cheese empanadas are delicious, they are not the healthiest option due to their high fat and calorie content. However, you can make them healthier by using lean ground beef, and whole wheat flour for the dough, and reducing the amount of cheese used. Additionally, you can bake the empanadas instead of frying them to reduce the amount of fat in the dish.
Kitchen Equipment
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
- Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the empanadas warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or salsa on the side.
Tips
- You can make the empanadas ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag once frozen. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as diced bell peppers, olives, or raisins.
Conclusion
Beef and cheese empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main course, these empanadas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try today?
MORE RECIPES
The Best Beef And Cheese Empanadas Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
- Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the empanadas warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or salsa on the side.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought empanada dough instead of pie crusts? A: Yes, you can use store-bought empanada dough if you prefer. Just follow the instructions on the package for best results.
Q: Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them? A: Yes, you can fry the empanadas in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before serving.
I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free to let me know!
