Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that balances bold flavors with gooey, melty cheese all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, this Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe is going to become your new go-to comfort food. These empanadas are a savory treasure, blending seasoned ground beef, vibrant peppers, and melted cheddar cheese inside perfectly crisp dough pockets. Whether you serve them for a casual get-together, a family dinner, or a party snack, these empanadas bring a festive vibe and satisfy every craving in one delicious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty ground beef to the colorful bell peppers and that irresistible cheddar cheese, every element enhances the overall taste and appearance of the empanadas.

• Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a rich, meaty base that makes every bite satisfying.
• Onion, chopped (1 medium): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• Green bell pepper, chopped (1): Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
• Red bell pepper, chopped (1): Brings a subtle sweetness and beautiful red hue.
• Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Creates a savory, saucy filling to keep everything moist and flavorful.
• Corn, drained (15 ounces): Adds a touch of sweetness and textural contrast.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 ounces, undrained): Infuses the filling with mild spice and acidity.
• Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts warmth and complexity in the seasoning.
• Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle earthy note that complements the beef perfectly.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the filling.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick.
• Refrigerated pizza dough (15 ounces): The easy shortcut for homemade-style empanada crusts with a chewy, flaky texture.
• Egg, beaten (1): Used as an egg wash to create a beautiful golden-brown finish.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into creamy pockets of cheesy goodness inside each empanada.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the empanadas will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust. Starting your oven on time is key to achieving the best texture.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming too oily. This step builds the flavorful base of your empanadas.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and both green and red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This softens the peppers just enough to mingle beautifully with the beef flavors.

Step 4: Simmer the Filling

Stir in the tomato sauce, drained corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Let this savory mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This step allows all the ingredients to marry and thicken slightly into a rich filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Unroll your refrigerated pizza dough onto a clean surface and cut it into 12 equal squares. Using pizza dough makes the prep easy and gives you that delightful chew and flakiness that’s perfect for empanadas.

Step 6: Fill the Empanadas

Place a generous spoonful of the beef and vegetable filling into the center of each dough square. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese—you want plenty of cheese to get those melty, gooey pockets inside.

Step 7: Fold and Seal

Fold each dough square over the filling to form a triangle. Use the back of a fork to crimp the edges securely, sealing in the filling so it doesn’t escape during baking. This also creates a charming edge pattern that’s classic for empanadas.

Step 8: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. This step is crucial to give your empanadas a shiny, golden-brown finish that’s just as delicious to look at as it is to eat.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. The baking brings out the rich beef flavors and melts the cheese inside to ooey-gooey perfection.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Once they’re fresh out of the oven, serve your Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe warm for the best taste experience. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every satisfying bite.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of bright color and fresh flavor that complements the warm, cheesy filling beautifully. For a little extra kick, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy salsa brings your empanadas to the next level.

Side Dishes

Serve these empanadas alongside a crisp green salad or a simple Mexican-style rice to round out the meal. Black beans or a light corn salad also pair wonderfully, adding freshness and texture contrast that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the empanadas on a colorful tray lined with lettuce leaves, adding small bowls of guacamole, pico de gallo, and chipotle sauce for dipping. You can also serve mini empanadas as appetizers with toothpicks for easy grabbing at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Beef Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them well-sealed preserves their crisp crust and flavorful filling, making them perfect for quick reheats or packed lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure they’re heated through.

Reheating

Reheat baked empanadas in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes to restore their crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky and crisp rather than soggy.

FAQs

Can I use homemade dough instead of pizza dough?

Absolutely! Homemade empanada dough will work beautifully if you prefer making everything from scratch. Just make sure your dough is sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing, and you’ll get delicious results.

Is it possible to make these empanadas vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just season the filling well and include plenty of cheese or a vegan alternative to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What’s the best cheese to use for melting inside empanadas?

Cheddar cheese is a great choice because of its sharp flavor and excellent melting properties, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend for different tastes and textures.

Can I prepare these empanadas ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the empanadas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. This makes them convenient for parties or meal prep.

What dipping sauces pair best with Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe?

Classic options include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy chipotle mayo. Each adds a lovely contrast to the savory filling and crispy crust, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Cheesy Beef Empanadas Recipe is like inviting a fiesta right into your kitchen. The harmony of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and crisp, golden dough will keep you coming back for more. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends!

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