Description
Delicious and savory Beef & Cheese Empanadas featuring a flavorful ground beef filling seasoned with cumin, paprika, and chili powder, mixed with melted cheddar cheese, all encased in flaky pie crusts and baked until golden brown. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Dough
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Cut the dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Spoon a generous amount of the beef and cheese filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative and secure seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to promote a golden, shiny crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy crust and savory filling.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Empanadas can be made ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Use a fork to crimp edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
