Print

Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe

4.7 from 30 reviews

These savory Beef and Cheese Empanadas are a delightful Latin American treat perfect for any occasion. A golden, flaky crust filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and gooey melted cheese make these baked empanadas a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Assembly:

  • 1 package empanada dough discs (or use pie crust cut into 5-inch circles)
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  2. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking another 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. Let filling cool slightly.
  4. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold over to form a half-moon, pressing the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
  5. Place on a lined baking sheet and brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought Goya empanada discs or homemade dough.
  • For extra crispiness, air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
  • Serve with salsa, sour cream, or chimichurri.

Nutrition