What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a delicious homemade dish like beef and cheese empanadas, loaded with tender beef and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. Try making these easy empanadas for a quick family favorite meal, save this idea for later

beef and cheese empanadas on a blue plate with text overlay that reads beef and cheese empanadas

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden pastry pocket filled with the rich flavors of beef and cheese, all presented beautifully on a blue plate. This dish is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience. Beef and cheese empanadas are a culinary delight that combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the excitement of international flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be easy to follow, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor and visual appeal. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make it your own.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of beef and cheese provides a perfect balance of savory flavors, and both ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive presentation, empanadas are relatively simple to make. The dough can be homemade or store-bought, and the filling is quick to prepare.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result looks and tastes like it was made in a professional kitchen, but the actual preparation time is surprisingly short.

Key Ingredients

To make beef and cheese empanadas, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the dough, you can use either homemade empanada dough or store-bought pastry dough. The filling consists of ground beef, onions, garlic, and cheese. Practical substitutions include using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and experimenting with different types of cheese for varying flavors. Additionally, you’ll need some olive oil for brushing the empanadas before baking.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your filling by cooking the ground beef in a pan until it’s browned, then add diced onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.
2. Step 2: Once the filling is ready, let it cool slightly. If using homemade dough, now is the time to roll it out to your desired thickness. If using store-bought dough, you can skip this step.
3. Step 3: Cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto the center of each dough circle, top with some shredded cheese, and fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle shape. Press the edges together to seal the empanada.
4. Step 4: Brush the tops of the empanadas with olive oil and bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful tips for making empanadas is to ensure your dough is at room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it much easier to handle and helps prevent it from tearing.
• Also, don’t overfill your empanadas. Leaving a little room around the filling helps the empanada seal properly and prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.

Heat Control

For baking empanadas, maintaining the right oven temperature is crucial. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and you should bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in empanadas comes from the baked pastry. To achieve a perfectly crispy exterior, make sure to brush the empanadas with olive oil before baking. This helps the pastry brown evenly and adds to the crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One pro trick is to use a variety of cheeses for a richer flavor profile. Mixing cheddar with mozzarella or parmesan can add depth to your empanadas.
• Another trick is to not overwork the dough. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought, gentle handling will result in a flakier, more tender pastry.

Storage Tips

• Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Empanadas make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged nicely. Consider placing a few empanadas in a decorative tin or a gift box lined with parchment paper. You could also include a card with baking instructions for a personalized touch. For a more rustic look, wrap each empanada individually in parchment paper and tie with twine, then place them in a basket or bag.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of cumin or chili powder can give your empanadas a spicy kick.
• Creative toppings: Before baking, you can top your empanadas with additional cheese, diced onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor and color.
• Ingredient swaps: Try using different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, for a change of pace. Vegetarian options like roasted vegetables or beans also make great fillings.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your empanadas turn out too dense, it might be because the dough was overworked. Try handling the dough more gently next time.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, you can use different types of cheese or add some diced bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your empanadas while they’re baking. If they’re not golden brown after 20 minutes, give them a few more minutes. Conversely, if they’re browning too quickly, you might need to reduce the oven temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, empanadas can be frozen either before or after baking. Freezing before baking allows you to bake them fresh whenever you’re ready, while freezing after baking is great for reheating later.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of dough you use, empanadas can be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free pastry dough or make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Empanadas are a great dish to make in bulk. Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Keep in mind that baking time might be slightly longer for larger batches.

Conclusion

Making beef and cheese empanadas is a fun and rewarding culinary project that’s perfect for any skill level. With its combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and crispy pastry, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to make it your own, and consider sharing some with friends and family as a thoughtful gift. Happy baking, and enjoy the delicious journey of exploring the world of empanadas!