Description
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or a quick weeknight dinner. They feature perfectly seasoned ground beef and gooey, melted cheese tucked into a flaky, buttery crust. These handheld delights are pure comfort food—easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a delicious meal the whole family will love, these empanadas deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 pre-made empanada dough discs
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until soft.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess fat.
Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 minutes then cool for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place a tablespoon of beef and a sprinkle of cheese in the center of each dough disc.
Fold into a half-moon and crimp edges with a fork to seal.
Brush tops with egg wash.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg