Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe

Are you craving a savory, cheesy, and satisfying snack or appetizer? These Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are the perfect answer! With a golden, flaky crust and a hearty, flavorful beef and cheese filling, they are ideal for parties, family dinners, or a quick meal on the go. Whether you’re new to making empanadas or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details and discover how you can whip up these delicious empanadas in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe

This Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe is a delightful mix of savory beef, spices, and melty cheese all tucked into a buttery pie crust. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and Simple: Made with pre-made pie crust, this recipe cuts down on preparation time while still delivering amazing flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These empanadas are great for a family snack, game day, or even as a party appetizer.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the fillings or spice levels to match your preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients for these cheesy beef empanadas:

• Ground Beef (1 lb): A protein-rich and flavorful base for the filling. Use lean beef to avoid too much grease.
• Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory taste of the beef mixture.
• Ground Cumin (1 ½ tsp), Garlic Salt (1 ½ tsp), and Oregano (1 tsp): These seasonings give the empanadas a robust, well-rounded flavor.
• Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (1 tsp) and Chili Powder (¼ tsp): Adds a slight kick of heat and spice.
• Crushed Red Peppers (½ tsp): For those who love a bit of extra heat.
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz can): Provides moisture and tang to the beef filling.
• Diced Jalapeños (1 Tbsp): Gives the filling a bold, spicy punch.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese (½ cup each, grated): Creates the perfect gooey, cheesy center.
• Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust (2 boxes): These make the perfect, easy-to-use empanada dough with a flaky finish.
• Egg (1, beaten): Used for the egg wash, which gives the empanadas a beautiful golden-brown crust.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large frying pan or cast iron skillet: To cook the ground beef mixture.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping onions and garlic.
• Whisk: To beat the egg for the egg wash.
• Baking sheet: To bake the empanadas.
• Rolling pin: To slightly flatten the pie dough if needed.
• Basting brush: For brushing the egg wash onto the empanadas.
• 4-inch bowl or round cutter: To cut out empanada circles from the pie crust.

How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to break up the beef. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to combine the spices with the beef mixture.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Jalapeños

Next, pour in the tomato sauce and stir in the diced jalapeños. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and the beef to soak up all the seasoning goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust

While the beef mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 425°F. Unroll the Pillsbury™ pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch bowl or cutter, press down to cut circles from the dough. You should get about four pieces per pie crust.

Step 5: Assemble the Empanadas

Place a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese in the center of each dough circle, followed by about ¼ cup of the beef mixture. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. To seal, use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough. If needed, lightly wet the edges of the dough with water to help seal them properly.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Using a basting brush, apply the egg wash over the tops of the empanadas to ensure they bake to a golden, crispy perfection. Transfer the empanadas to a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, with a side of salsa or your favorite dipping sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Empanadas: Be careful not to add too much filling, as this can cause the dough to tear or leak during baking.
• Not Sealing the Edges Properly: If the edges aren’t sealed well, the filling may spill out. Use a fork to press the edges and ensure a tight seal.
• Baking at Too Low a Temperature: Baking at a high temperature (425°F) ensures that the crust becomes golden and crispy.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a spicy queso fresco for a unique twist.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños and crushed red pepper to match your preferred level of heat. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the jalapeños altogether.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The beef filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it even quicker to assemble the empanadas when you’re ready to bake.

How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

Serve these delicious empanadas as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course with a fresh side salad. You can pair them with dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For an extra special touch, garnish the empanadas with a sprinkle of cilantro or a drizzle of crema before serving.

How to Store & Reheat Empanadas

If you have any leftovers, allow the empanadas to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness, or microwave them for a quick bite (though they may lose some of their crunch).

Recipe Variations

While this recipe focuses on cheesy ground beef, there are countless ways to modify it:

• Chicken Empanadas: Swap out the beef for shredded chicken, and season with similar spices for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach, along with beans for added protein.
• Different Cheese Choices: Use cream cheese, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a distinct flavor twist.

FAQs About Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

Can I freeze these empanadas?
Yes! These empanadas freeze beautifully. After assembling but before baking, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

What other fillings can I use?
The filling possibilities are endless! Try pork, shrimp, or even a sweet dessert version using fruit and cream cheese.

Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely! While refrigerated pie dough is convenient, making your own empanada dough adds a homemade touch and extra flakiness.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are a perfect combination of savory beef, spicy seasonings, and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a crispy pie crust. They’re simple enough for a quick weeknight snack, but delicious enough to impress at any gathering. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and subscribe to the blog for more tasty recipes like this!

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