Description
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and savory handheld treat featuring a seasoned ground beef filling melted with cheddar cheese, all encased in flaky pie crusts baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they are simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 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
Dough and Topping
- 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 for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet along with ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the refrigerated pie crusts if needed. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut circles out of the dough to form the empanada shells.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and firmly seal the edges by pressing with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Arrange the prepared empanadas on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious appetizer or main course.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling.
- Refrigerated pie crust works well for ease, but homemade pastry dough can be used for a flakier texture.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking; bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, brush the empanadas with melted butter instead of egg wash.
