These Homemade Beef & Cheese Empanadas are packed with savory seasoned ground beef and melty cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden pastry. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a fun meal!
📋 Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed 🧈
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1/3 cup cold water 💧
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar 🍋
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef 🍖
- 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿
- 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) 🌿
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🛢️
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 🥚
- Vegetable oil for frying (if frying) 🛢️
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add wet ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Chill the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth. Flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling:
- Cook the beef:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Add cheese:
- Once cooled, stir the shredded cheese and cilantro (if using) into the beef mixture.
3. Assemble the Empanadas:
- Roll out the dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
- Fill the empanadas:
- Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative seal.
- Egg wash:
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg.
4. Cook the Empanadas:
Option 1: Bake
- Bake the empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Option 2: Fry
- Fry the empanadas:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
- Serve and enjoy:
- Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole!
⏱️ Preparation Time: 30 minutes
⏱️ Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: 50-55 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 12-14 empanadas
🔥 Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal per empanada (baked)
These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect handheld snack or meal! 🥟🍖🧀