Description
If you’re craving a savory snack that’s both satisfying and easy to make, look no further than these delicious beef and cheese empanadas. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, sharp cheeses, and a crispy dough shell to create a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow the steps below to create your own batch of homemade empanadas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds and stem removed, diced
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 11.6 ounces 5” empanada dough (such as Goya)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the empanadas later.
Prepare the Meat Mixture In a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, diced jalapeno, and the seasonings (ground cumin, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chili powder). Stir the mixture and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan and return it to the heat. Add the tomato sauce, stir well, and let it cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Egg Wash In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined. Set this mixture aside; it will be used to give the empanadas a beautiful golden brown finish.
Assemble the Empanadas To assemble the empanadas, lightly wet the edges of each empanada dough round with water. Place a small amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in the center of each dough round. Add a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture on top of the cheese, followed by a bit more cheese. Fold the dough in half to enclose the filling, then pinch the edges together. Use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they are sealed well. Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash to help them bake to a golden brown.
Bake the Empanadas Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the empanadas for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These beef and cheese empanadas are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cook Time and Servings
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 empanadas
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your beef and cheese empanadas with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor. Popular choices include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a spicy aioli.
- Side Dishes: Pair the empanadas with a simple side salad, black beans, or rice to make a complete meal.
- Garnishes: Add a touch of freshness by garnishing with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serving Temperature: Empanadas are best enjoyed warm. If they’ve cooled down, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Freezing: Empanadas can be frozen for longer storage. Place the cooled empanadas on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen, until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave Option: While reheating in the microwave is quicker, it can make the empanadas less crispy. If you choose this method, microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your beef and cheese empanadas fresh and flavorful every time.
