Oh my goodness, let me tell you about beef cheese empanadas! These little pockets of joy are not just snacks; they’re a celebration of flavor and comfort wrapped in flaky goodness. I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of spiced beef and melting cheese, and I couldn’t wait to take a bite! Trust me, once you try these empanadas, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or just a cozy movie evening at home. The blend of savory beef and gooey cheese inside a crispy crust is simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
To make the most delicious beef cheese empanadas, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor! Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb ground beef (I like using lean beef for less grease!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully)
- 1 onion, chopped (adds a lovely sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skip this – it’s aromatic magic)
- 1 tsp cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- 1 tsp paprika (adds a hint of smokiness)
- 1 package empanada dough (store-bought makes life easier!)
- 1 egg, beaten (this will make your empanadas shiny and golden)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating empanadas that everyone will rave about!
How to Prepare Beef Cheese Empanadas
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making those delicious beef cheese empanadas! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your empanadas cook evenly and get that golden, crispy crust we all love. So, go ahead and set that oven while you prepare the filling!
Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Oh, the smell is heavenly! After that, stir in the cumin and paprika for about a minute, just to let those spices bloom. Once everything is well combined, take it off the heat and mix in the shredded cheese. You want it to melt just a little from the heat of the beef—that’s the good stuff!
Prepare the Dough
Now, let’s roll out the empanada dough! If you’re using store-bought dough, simply take it out and let it sit for a few minutes to soften. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough and cut it into circles—about 4-5 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm adds character!
Assemble the Empanadas
Time to fill! Take a circle of dough and place a generous spoonful of your beef and cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges together, sealing them tightly. This not only keeps the filling in but also gives your empanadas a cute little design!
Bake to Perfection
Finally, brush the tops of your empanadas with the beaten egg for that beautiful shine. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells absolutely divine, and they look irresistible!
FAQ Section
Got questions about beef cheese empanadas? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While I love cheddar or Monterey Jack, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even crumbled feta for a twist.
Can I bake these empanadas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep them in advance and store them in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just brush with the egg wash right before you pop them in the oven.
What if I want to fry them instead?
Ooh, frying is a delicious option! Just heat oil in a deep pan and fry each empanada until golden brown. Drain on paper towels afterward.
Can I freeze uncooked empanadas?
Definitely! Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, once you dive into making these beef cheese empanadas, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in my kitchen! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for cooks of all levels!
- Flavor-packed filling that balances savory beef with gooey cheese.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite spices or add veggies!
- Great for meal prep; they store well and are freezer-friendly.
- Perfect for any occasion—snacks, parties, or cozy dinners.
Seriously, these empanadas check all the boxes for a winning dish!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your beef cheese empanadas turn out perfectly every time!
- Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but remember that less is more. Overstuffing can lead to messy empanadas that won’t seal properly.
- Keep the dough cold: If your dough gets too warm, it’ll be harder to work with. If needed, pop it in the fridge for a bit before rolling it out.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or even a bit of hot sauce to the filling for a kick!
- Test for doneness: A little golden brown on top means they’re just right—don’t be afraid to peek!
- Let them cool: After baking, let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before digging in. This helps the filling set a bit and avoids burns!
With these tips, you’re all set to impress with your beef cheese empanadas!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying beef cheese empanadas, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each delicious bite! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per empanada:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. But hey, a little indulgence every now and then is totally worth it when it’s this tasty!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these scrumptious beef cheese empanadas, you might have a few leftovers (though I doubt it!). If you do, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze! Just pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they won’t have that delightful crunch. Trust me, the oven method is worth the wait!
What to Serve with Beef Cheese Empanadas
Now that you’ve mastered beef cheese empanadas, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a complete meal experience! I love pairing these delicious pastries with a zesty salsa or a creamy avocado dip—both add a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. You could also whip up a simple salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to lighten things up. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving them with a drizzle of spicy chipotle sauce for an added kick. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your empanada game to a whole new level!
Z nadrukami
Beef Cheese Empanadas: 5 Savory Steps to Irresistible Joy
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 empanadas 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Delicious beef and cheese stuffed pastries.
Składniki
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 package empanada dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Add cumin and paprika, stirring well.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheese.
- Roll out empanada dough and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in each circle.
- Fold dough over filling and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Uwagi
- Serve with salsa or dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be frozen before baking.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Snack
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Latin American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 empanada
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 1g
- Sód: 350mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Słowa kluczowe: beef cheese empanadas
