What’s the secret to a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and exciting? Try making beef and cheese empanadas from scratch with tender ground beef and melted cheese, perfect for a quick homemade family favorite, save this idea for a delicious meal to make soon

Beef & Cheese Empanadas

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the flakiness of pastry, all in one delicious package. Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a culinary dream come true, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests craving for more. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress, and with a little creativity, you can make it your own.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and spices creates a flavor profile that is both bold and accessible, making it a hit with a wide range of palates.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive presentation, empanadas are surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and effort.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The pastry exterior and savory filling make for a dish that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional, but can be achieved with minimal fuss.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Beef & Cheese Empanadas include ground beef, cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), empanada pastry (either store-bought or homemade), onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. For practical substitutions, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and different types of cheese like feta or parmesan for a unique flavor. Additionally, if you can’t find empanada pastry, you can use pie crust or even make your own dough from scratch.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, chop the onion and mince the garlic, and cook them in a pan until they’re softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s fully browned.
2. Step 2: Add the cumin, paprika, and any other desired spices to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Then, stir in the shredded cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is cool enough to handle.
3. Step 3: Roll out the empanada pastry on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of pastry. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each pastry circle, brushing the edges with a little water to help them stick together when sealed.
4. Step 4: Fold the pastry in half over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border. Brush the tops of the empanadas with a little bit of egg wash or water, and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to handle the pastry gently to avoid tearing it, and keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it. If you find that your empanadas are not sealing properly, try using a little more water or adjusting the temperature of your oven.

Heat Control

When baking the empanadas, it’s essential to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. The ideal temperature is 375°F (190°C), and they should be done in 20-25 minutes. You can check for doneness by looking for a golden brown color on the pastry and ensuring that the filling is hot and savory.

Crunch Factor

The pastry exterior of the empanadas should be crispy and flaky, while the filling remains tender and juicy. To achieve this, make sure to bake them at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. You can also brush the tops with a little bit of oil or egg wash before baking to enhance the crunch factor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make your empanadas extra flaky, try using a combination of all-purpose and pastry flour when making your own dough from scratch. You can also add a little bit of vinegar to the dough to help create a tender and flaky texture.

Storage Tips

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and hot. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and bake them straight from the freezer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Beef & Cheese Empanadas make a wonderful gift for friends and family, especially when packaged in a decorative tin or basket. Try wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in a gift bag or container. You can also include a side of salsa or guacamole for a extra-special touch.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a little bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your empanadas a spicy kick. You can also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top your empanadas with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh and tangy flavor. You can also try using different types of meat, such as chorizo or carnitas, for a hearty and savory filling.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use different types of cheese for a unique flavor. You can also try using different types of pastry, such as puff pastry or phyllo dough, for a flaky and buttery texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your empanadas are too dense or heavy, try using a lighter touch when handling the pastry and making sure to not overfill them. If they’re too crispy or burnt, try reducing the oven temperature or baking time.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find empanada pastry, try using pie crust or making your own dough from scratch. You can also substitute different types of cheese or meat for a unique flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: If your empanadas are undercooked, they may be pale or soft to the touch. If they’re overcooked, they may be dark or crispy. Try adjusting the oven temperature or baking time to achieve the perfect golden brown color and crispy texture.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the empanadas for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? No, traditional empanada pastry contains gluten. However, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend to make your own dough from scratch.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more empanadas. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flaky pastry exterior and savory filling, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort. So why not give it a try and see what you think? With a little practice and patience, you’ll be making empanadas like a pro in no time.