Beef and Cheese Empanadas: A Crispy, Savory Handheld Favorite

There’s something magical about food you can hold in your hand—especially when it’s filled with warm, seasoned beef and gooey, melted cheese. Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate handheld meal: portable, crispy, filling, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a picnic, or just want a fun weeknight dinner, these empanadas are an easy crowd-pleaser. Using store-bought puff pastry or homemade dough, these flaky pockets are stuffed with spiced ground beef, onions, and cheese, then baked or fried to perfection.

---

Why You’ll Love These Empanadas

✔️ Golden, crispy exterior with melty interior
✔️ Can be baked or fried
✔️ Perfect for make-ahead or freezer meals
✔️ Customizable with endless fillings
✔️ Kid-friendly and great for snacks, lunches, or parties

These empanadas are like a flavor-packed pastry hug—and once you try them, you’ll want to keep a stash in your freezer forever.

---

What Are Empanadas?

Empanadas are a popular dish throughout Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines. The name comes from the Spanish word empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread.” Traditionally, empanadas are made with pastry dough and filled with savory or sweet fillings like beef, chicken, vegetables, cheese, or fruit.

This recipe uses spiced ground beef and cheese—a modern, family-friendly combo that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

---

Real & Reliable Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe

🧄 Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for kick)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)

For the Dough:

• 1 package (2 sheets) store-bought puff pastry, thawed
  (or use homemade empanada dough)

To Finish:

• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

---

How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat. Let cool slightly, then stir in shredded cheese.

---

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into circles (4–5 inches wide) using a cutter or bowl.

---

Step 3: Fill and Seal

Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of beef mixture into the center of each dough round. Fold over to form a half-moon shape. Press edges together with a fork to seal.

Brush the tops with egg wash for a glossy, golden crust.

---

Step 4: Bake (or Fry)

Place empanadas on the baking sheet. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and puffed.

OR Fry in 350°F oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

Let cool slightly before serving.

---

Optional Dips & Sauces

🍅 Salsa or pico de gallo
🧄 Garlic aioli or chipotle mayo
🥑 Guacamole
🌿 Chimichurri sauce
🧀 Queso dip

---

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

✅ Prep Ahead: Assemble empanadas and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

✅ Freeze Before Baking: Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then store in bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes.

✅ Reheat: Bake leftovers at 350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp. Microwave for convenience, but they’ll lose crunch.

---

Variations to Try

🧀 Cheesier Filling: Add cream cheese or shredded pepper jack.
🌶️ Spicy Beef: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
🌽 Southwest Style: Add corn and black beans.
🍄 Vegetarian: Use mushrooms, lentils, or sautéed spinach in place of meat.
🥚 Breakfast Version: Scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.

---

What to Serve with Beef Empanadas

• Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice
• Black beans or refried beans
• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Sliced avocado or avocado crema
• Fresh fruit or corn on the cob

Empanadas also work great as part of a tapas platter with other finger foods.

---

FAQs

Can I use pie crust or biscuit dough instead of puff pastry?
Yes! Empanadas are flexible—just adjust bake time as needed.

Can I air fry them?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I make them spicy?
Definitely. Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to the meat.

What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any good melting cheese.

---

Final Thoughts

These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate fusion of flavor and convenience. Flaky on the outside, cheesy and savory inside—they’re the kind of comfort food that’s always a hit, whether you’re serving them as appetizers, lunchbox favorites, or a party main.

They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a perfect reason to keep puff pastry in your freezer year-round.

Flaky, cheesy, beefy, and golden. It doesn’t get better than this.

Print