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Empanadas are a beloved dish in many countries around the world, from Spain to Argentina to Mexico. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to bread” or “to wrap in bread.” Essentially, empanadas are pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and cheese, and are often baked or fried to golden perfection. The combination of flaky dough and savory filling is truly irresistible.
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In this recipe, we’ll focus on Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas. These empanadas are packed with a flavorful, cheesy ground beef mixture that’s spiced with just the right amount of seasonings, all wrapped in a tender, flaky dough. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or meal, these empanadas are sure to impress your family and friends.
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Empanadas, as mentioned earlier, are a traditional Spanish and Latin American dish. They can be found across the globe in various forms, and their fillings are as diverse as the regions they originate from. While some empanadas feature vegetables, others are packed with beef, chicken, or even seafood. The filling for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas is a combination of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and sometimes other ingredients like onions and olives. The result is a perfectly balanced, savory filling that pairs beautifully with the flaky, tender pastry shell.
What makes this recipe particularly delicious is the inclusion of cheese, which melts into the beef mixture, creating a gooey, savory center. The dough, once fried or baked, becomes wonderfully crisp and golden, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender filling.
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These empanadas are perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to parties and even as a portable lunch or snack. The beauty of empanadas is their versatility—while the classic filling includes ground beef and cheese, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, the end result is the same: a delicious, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to do a little preparation to make the process go smoothly. Here’s how to prepare for making your Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas:
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Prepare the Dough Ingredients:
- Measure the flour and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the baking powder, salt, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the chilled water, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon more water at a time.
- Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest while you prepare the filling.
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Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If using green olives, add them now. Continue cooking for an additional minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cheese until it melts into the beef mixture. Let the filling cool for a few minutes.
- If you prefer a firmer filling, you can mix in a beaten egg at this point to bind the filling together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that your dough and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble and cook your Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas. Follow these steps to create perfect empanadas:
Step 1: Roll Out the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Using a round cutter (or the rim of a glass), cut out circles about 4–5 inches in diameter. If you don’t have a cutter, you can also use a sharp knife to cut even squares.
- Re-roll the dough scraps and cut out as many circles as possible. You should aim for 12–14 circles, depending on the size of your cutter.
Step 2: Fill the Empanadas
- Place a tablespoon or so of the cooled ground beef mixture in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing down the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look and to ensure the empanada stays sealed.
Step 3: Cook the Empanadas
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Dough Consistency: Make sure the dough is not too sticky. If it is, gradually add more flour. If it’s too dry, add more water, but do so slowly to avoid making it too wet.
- Filling Variations: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms or tofu.
- Shaping the Empanadas: If you have trouble sealing the edges, wet your fingers with a little water to help the dough stick together.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar and mozzarella are the classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, provolone, or even a combination of cheese types for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead: You can make the empanadas ahead of time and freeze them. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, and once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag. When ready to eat, bake or fry straight from the freezer (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas can be served in many ways, whether as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Here are some ideas to complement your empanadas:
- Salsa or Guacamole: Serve with a fresh salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A great side dish to add some extra flavor and texture.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy dressing can help balance the richness of the empanadas.
- Yogurt Sauce: A simple yogurt sauce with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs can add a refreshing contrast.
Variations and Modifications
- Vegetarian Empanadas: Swap the ground beef for beans, spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Empanadas: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Empanadas: For a dessert version, fill the empanadas with sweet ingredients like chocolate, caramelized apples, or dulce de leche.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With a simple, flavorful filling and a golden, flaky crust, these empanadas are sure to become a family favorite.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to make perfect empanadas every time. Experiment with different fillings, cheeses, and seasonings to make the recipe your own. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying, if not baking)
- 1 package (10-12) empanada dough discs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef Filling:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season the meat mixture with cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheese and cilantro (if using). Set aside. - Prepare the Empanadas:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. If frying, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
On a clean, flat surface, lay out the empanada dough discs. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each disc (about 2 tablespoons).
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.
If baking, place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
If frying, carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. - Bake or Fry the Empanadas:
For baking: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
For frying: Fry the empanadas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. - Serve: Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect on their own or with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
- Dough: Store-bought empanada dough can be found in most grocery stores, but if you prefer homemade dough, it’s easy to make from scratch as well.
- Ground Meat Variations: You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even ground pork for a different flavor.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use any melting cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for extra gooeyness.
- Freezing: These empanadas can be frozen before baking or frying. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake or fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Spicy Option: For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
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