Unwrapping Comfort: Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Welcome to a culinary journey that brings a taste of Latin America right into your kitchen with our Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe. This delightful dish is perfect for those looking for a savory treat that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Empanadas, traditional hand-held pies, are loved for their versatility and the joy they bring to every occasion, from family gatherings to game nights.
In this recipe, we combine the heartiness of ground beef with the bold flavors of onions, garlic, and jalapeño, all spiced up with a blend of seasonings including cumin and a dash of Slap Ya Mama®. The result? A meaty, spicy filling that is perfectly complemented by the creaminess of sharp cheddar and Pepper Jack cheese. Each empanada is a burst of flavor encased in a delicate, golden crust that promises satisfaction in every bite.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying your hand at making empanadas for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and fun to put together. Follow along as we dive into the steps to create these delicious pockets of joy that are sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. Let’s get baking!
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds and stem removed, diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 11.6 ounces 5” empanada dough (such as Goya)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and jalapeño with the seasonings until the meat is browned. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute or two. Drain any excess grease and mix in the tomato sauce. Let simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix the Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl; this will give your empanadas a beautiful golden sheen.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Moisten the edges of the empanada dough with water. Place some cheese on the dough, add a spoonful of the meat mixture, and top with more cheese. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake: Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15 minutes or until they are golden and crisp.
- Enjoy: Serve your empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a complete taste experience.
Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 Empanadas
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Welcome to a culinary journey that brings a taste of Latin America right into your kitchen with our Beef and Cheese Empanadas recipe. This delightful dish is perfect for those looking for a savory treat that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. Empanadas, traditional hand-held pies, are loved for their versatility and the joy they bring to every occasion, from family gatherings to game nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeds and stem removed, diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 11.6 ounces 5” empanada dough (such as Goya)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and jalapeño with the seasonings until the meat is browned. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute or two. Drain any excess grease and mix in the tomato sauce. Let simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix the Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl; this will give your empanadas a beautiful golden sheen.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Moisten the edges of the empanada dough with water. Place some cheese on the dough, add a spoonful of the meat mixture, and top with more cheese. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake: Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15 minutes or until they are golden and crisp.
- Enjoy: Serve your empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a complete taste experience.
Notes
Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 Empanadas