Savory Beef Cheese Empanadas Handheld Fiesta

Beef Cheese Empanadas Savory Handheld Fiesta

By Emily TorresOctober 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving something savory and satisfying? These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are calling your name! They are cheesy, beefy and packed with flavour.

Brief Overview

Beef & Cheese Empanadas are believed to originate from Spain. They are popular across Latin America. This recipe is medium difficulty.

It takes around an hour and a half. This recipe makes about 12 empanadas. These are perfect as a snack or a meal.

Main Benefits

These Homemade Empanadas with Beef and Cheese are packed with protein. Serve these at your next fiesta. What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of savory and cheesy.

Plus, they're handheld.

Why You'll Love These Savory Empanada Recipes

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Mexican Empanadas Recipe ? These Ground Beef And Cheese Empanadas are so easy to customize! I remember the first time I made these.

My oven wasn't heating properly, and they took forever to bake! So, remember to check your oven temp.

Simple Ingredients for Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe

We're talking about simple ingredients here. If you want to simplify things, use pre-made dough. No judgement. If you want to go full domestic goddess, the dough recipe is included.

The choice is yours!. This recipe uses ground beef and cheese. Because I like it simple, I will make sure that you find it that way, also!

Making the Empanada Dough from Scratch or Not

Making the Easy Empanada Dough Recipe is super rewarding. Don't be scared! I used to be terrified of making dough, but it's really not that hard.

If you're short on time, premade empanada discs are totally fine! Just remember to thaw them properly. Otherwise they will break!

Assembling Your Cheesy Beef Empanadas

The filling for these Cheesy Beef Empanadas is where the magic happens. The filling includes ground beef, onion, spices, and cheese.

Cook the Ground Beef Empanada Filling until it's nice and browned. Then, stir in that cheesy goodness. Don't overfill the dough! This is a common mistake.

Then they might explode during baking.

Baking Your Ground Beef Empanadas

Finally, it's baking time! Bake these Beef & Cheese Empanadas at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes.

You know, until they are golden brown. The egg wash is key for that beautiful color. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Then, enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!

Now go on, get cooking. You've totally got this! These Beef & Cheese Empanadas are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Fiesta Started!

Alright, bestie, let's talk ingredients for our Beef & Cheese Empanadas . Making these little pockets of deliciousness isn't as intimidating as it looks, promise! Think of it as a handheld fiesta.

I remember the first time I tried making these. Honestly, the dough was a disaster! But hey, we learn from our mistakes, right? So, here's what you'll need:

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Empanada

Here’s what you need to start your Ground Beef Empanadas recipe .

Dough (or Pre-Made Discs) :
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) . Go for unbleached if you can find it.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cubed. The colder, the better!
- Ice water: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Keep it icy!
- Or (cheat mode, which I totally endorse sometimes): 1 package (14 oz/400g) pre-made empanada discs .
Filling :
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (approx. 1 cup).
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . 80/20 blend is the bomb.
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) .
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) . It adds a lovely smokiness to these Cheesy Beef Empanadas .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) .
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) .
- Beef broth or water: 1/4 cup (60ml) .
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115g) . Monterey Jack works wonders. It's all for the Ground Beef Empanada filling .
Egg Wash :
- Large egg: 1 .
- Milk or water: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .

Quality indicators? For the beef, look for a nice red color and not too much visible fat. And with cheese: remember that it's a main star for Homemade Empanadas with Beef and Cheese , always fresh cheese!.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

These Mexican Empanadas Recipe aren’t complete without the right spices!

Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are your core trio. Don't skip them!
A pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hot.
Garlic powder if you're feeling fancy.
No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do in a pinch, but trust me, it's worth getting the smoked stuff!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

Don’t sweat it! These are the essentials to create Savory Empanada Recipes :

Large mixing bowl.
Pastry cutter or food processor (for dough). Honestly, use a food processor; it's way easier.
Rolling pin (for dough).
Baking sheet.
Parchment paper.
Small bowl and fork (for egg wash).
Empanada press (optional, but a godsend). If you are making Ground Beef And Cheese Empanadas this is a must!

No pastry cutter? Two knives work. Rolling pin? A clean wine bottle can do in a real emergency. Improvise, adapt, overcome, you know? I even saw a tv show which presents Easy Empanada Dough Recipe in a easy way!.

Now you are ready to bake this Beef & Cheese Empanadas , Let's do it!

Savory Beef & Cheese Empanadas : Your Handheld Fiesta Awaits!

Fancy a taste of Mexico without hopping on a plane? Honestly, these Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the answer. Think perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust.

They’re like posh pasties but with a south-of-the-border twist!

Prep Like a Pro: The Essential Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. This isn't MasterChef, but a little prep goes a long way. Dice your onion, measure out your spices, and get that cheese shredded.

It's all about the mise en place. Get your ingredients ready and close by. This helps save time later on.

For the dough, ensure your butter is seriously cold. You know, rock hard! If using pre-made empanada discs, get them thawing.

Trust me, you'll thank me later.

step-by-step: From Humble Ingredients to Cheesy Beef Empanadas

Right, here's how we roll (literally!):

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Sauté 1 cup chopped onion until soft.
Add 1 pound ground beef. Cook until browned. Drain the fat. Nobody likes a greasy empanada!
Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 cup beef broth. Simmer until the liquid is gone. This is the Ground Beef Empanada Filling .
Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Let it cool slightly.
Preheat your oven to 400° F . Roll out your dough (or use your pre-made discs!). Cut out circles about 4-5 inches big.
Spoon the beef filling onto each circle. Don't overfill. We want tasty empanadas not exploding ones!
Fold and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Brush with egg wash. This helps the Ground Beef And Cheese Empanadas come out with a perfect golden color.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown.

Pro Tips for Homemade Empanadas with Beef and Cheese

Want to take your Empanada Recipe with Ground Beef and Cheese to the next level? Here are my secrets.

Don't overwork the dough. This will make it tough.
Make the filling ahead of time. This will save you time on the day. Keep it cool.
For extra flavour, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.

So there you have it! My easy guide to Beef & Cheese Empanadas . Get stuck in and enjoy. This Mexican Empanadas Recipe is a sure fire hit! Now go enjoy these one of these savory empanada recipes with some friends!

Recipe Notes: Your Beef & Cheese Empanadas Adventure!

Right, so you’re about to embark on a culinary journey to make these amazing Beef & Cheese Empanadas ! Honestly, there are a few things that I've learned along the way that I want to share, so your experience is as awesome as possible.

I'm talking from personal experience here, not just copy pasted stuff.

Plating and Presentation Ideas, Mate!

These Cheesy Beef Empanadas look great on their own. You know, just piled up high on a plate. But, if you want to be fancy (and who doesn't?), try serving them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

A side of vibrant salsa is the best partner ever for Beef & Cheese Empanadas ! For drinks, a Mexican beer or a cool glass of horchata hits the spot.

Storage Tips and Tricks

Listen up because this bit is important! Once your Homemade Empanadas with Beef and Cheese are cooked, let them cool completely.

If you've got any leftover Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe place them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge.

They will be good for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag.

They can last for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you can bake them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for a quicker fix.

Variations on a Theme

Want to mix things up a bit? I've got some killer ideas, and you'll find yourself craving Savory Empanada Recipes all the time.

For a dietary adaptation, swap out the ground beef with lentils or beans for a veggie version. So healthy! If you want to make the Ground Beef Empanada Filling even more unique, add a spicy kick with some chopped jalapenos.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses too! Pepper jack is always a winner, and will give your Ground Beef and Cheese Empanadas a totally unique taste.

And for a seasonal twist, think about adding roasted sweet potatoes to the filling in the autumn.

Nutrition Basics - Keepin' it Real

I'm not going to bore you with all the complicated numbers. One of these Mexican Empanadas Recipe beauties packs in a good punch of protein and energy, roughly 250-350 calories, depending on how generous you are with the filling.

You know? The beef gives you iron and protein. But remember, this is an estimate, not an exact figure, since every Empanada Recipe with Ground Beef and Cheese is a work of art.

So, there you have it! Everything you need to make these Beef & Cheese Empanadas a success. Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on things.

Most of all, have fun! Honestly, cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Get in the kitchen, crank up the tunes, and make some magic happen!.

And don't worry if your first batch isn't perfect. The most important thing is that you gave it a go! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Beef & Cheese Empanadas ahead of time? I'm planning a party, you see!

Absolutely! You can assemble the empanadas ahead of time and store them, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Think of it as prepping your canapés like a pro! Just make sure they are well covered so the dough doesn't dry out.

You can also freeze them (unbaked) for longer storage.

My empanadas keep bursting open while baking! What am I doing wrong?

Bursting empanadas are a common kitchen woe, a bit like a soggy bottom on the Great British Bake Off! It's usually caused by overfilling or not sealing the edges properly. Make sure you don't overstuff them and crimp the edges firmly with a fork. An egg wash also helps to seal the dough.

If you're still having trouble, try poking a small hole in the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape.

I'm not a huge fan of ground beef. Can I use a different filling for these Beef & Cheese Empanadas?

Certainly! The beauty of empanadas is their versatility. Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for beef. You could even go vegetarian with lentils, black beans, or a mixture of roasted vegetables.

For a bit of a twist, consider adding some chopped olives or raisins to the filling for a more authentic Latin American flavor.

Any tips for making the dough for Beef & Cheese Empanadas extra flaky? Mine always turns out a bit tough.

A flaky dough is the holy grail of pastry making! The key is to keep the butter cold really cold! Using ice water also helps. Don't overwork the dough; mix it just until it comes together.

Let the dough rest in the fridge, like a good cuppa tea needs a good steep, this relaxes the gluten, resulting in a tender and flaky crust.

How long do leftover Beef & Cheese Empanadas last, and what's the best way to reheat them?

Leftover empanadas will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For reheating, the oven is your best bet for maintaining a crispy crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quicker option.

Microwaving is possible, but they may lose some of their crispness.

Are there any nutritional considerations I should be aware of when making or eating Beef & Cheese Empanadas?

Beef & Cheese Empanadas, while delicious, can be relatively high in fat and calories. Using leaner ground beef can help reduce the fat content. You could also use a lower fat cheese, or reduce the amount of cheese in the filling.

Serving them with a side salad can balance out the meal, ensuring you get some extra vitamins and fiber in your diet.