Imagine biting into a perfectly baked empanada, where the flaky crust gives way to a zesty filling of seasoned beef and melted cheese. This Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas recipe combines rich flavors with a delightful texture that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick snack, or wanting to impress your family with homemade treats, these empanadas are sure to be a hit.
Not only are these Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can create golden-brown delights that are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they offer versatility; you can serve them as appetizers or main dishes, and they freeze well for future cravings. Get ready to dive into this flavorful culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas recipe because of its incredible flavor balance. The savory beef is complemented perfectly by the sharpness of cheese and a hint of spices, creating a harmonious filling that bursts with every bite. This combination not only satisfies hunger but also excites your palate.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the filling based on your preferences by adding ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or even some jalapeños for an extra kick. The dough can also be made ahead of time or even substituted with store-bought options if you’re in a hurry.
Lastly, these empanadas are perfect for sharing! They make great finger foods for parties or family gatherings, and everyone will enjoy grabbing their own little hand-held treat. Plus, they can be served fresh from the oven or at room temperature—ideal for any social setting.
Key Ingredients
To create mouthwatering Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas, you’ll need some key ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: The star ingredient that provides protein and rich flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives creaminess and depth.
- Empanada Dough: Either homemade or store-bought dough serves as the perfect crispy outer layer.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic: A must-have for aroma and flavor enhancement.
- Spices (cumin, paprika): These bring warmth and zest to the filling.
- Egg Wash: For brushing over the empanadas before baking for that golden finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Sauté the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic followed by ground beef. Cook until brown, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and mixed through. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while preparing dough.
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out your empanada dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.
- Add Filling: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of beef and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill!
- Sew Up Your Empanadas: Fold each circle in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together firmly; use a fork to crimp edges for added security.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush egg wash over each empanada for a beautiful glaze before placing them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Expert Tips
To ensure your Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Cooling the Filling: Allowing your beef filling to cool before assembling helps prevent soggy dough as it won’t steam inside while baking.
- Dough Thickness: Roll your dough thin enough so it crisps well during baking but thick enough to hold the filling without tearing easily.
- Baking vs Frying: While this recipe calls for baking which is healthier, feel free to fry your empanadas in hot oil if you prefer that classic crispy texture!
If you want to prepare ahead of time, assemble them but do not bake; freeze them uncooked on a cookie sheet first before transferring them into airtight bags. : Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs like oregano or chili powder to match your personal taste preferences!
Presentation Ideas
Presenting your Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas creatively can elevate their appeal at any gathering:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve them alongside salsas like guacamole or spicy aioli; this adds variety and enhances flavor profiles.
: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley scattered around on serving platters for color contrast against golden-brown empanadas. : Present them warm on wooden boards stacked high with parchment paper underneath; rustic themes always charm guests! : Consider labeling each sauce option beside the dishes using small chalkboard signs for added flair at parties!
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
You absolutely can! Ground turkey or chicken works well as alternatives if you’re looking for leaner options. Just adjust cooking times as necessary since different meats may have varying fat levels which affect browning during sautéing.
Certainly! You can prepare both filling and dough in advance—store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge up to two days prior—or assemble uncooked empanadas then freeze them until ready! When needed just bake straight from frozen without thawing first—adjust cooking time slightly longer if doing so.
I don’t have an egg wash; what’s an alternative?
If you’re out of eggs or prefer not using them due dietary restrictions there are several substitutes: brush with milk (dairy/non-dairy), coconut milk mixed with cornstarch slurry works too! A bit of melted butter brushed on top yields beautiful results as well!
Your Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas should be golden brown when cooked through—this typically takes about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check bottoms too—the crust should feel firm rather than soft indicating undercooking has occurred!
You can easily reheat leftover empanadas either in an oven preheated at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (~10 minutes) or microwave briefly (~30 seconds) although keep in mind microwaving may result less crispy texture compared traditional reheating methods like oven usage does!
Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Savor the mouthwatering flavors of Zesty Beef & Cheese Empanadas, featuring a flaky crust filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these easy-to-make treats are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main dishes. Impress your guests with this delightful recipe that balances rich flavors and satisfying textures!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (14 oz) empanada dough (or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in oil until translucent. Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheeses until melted. Let the filling cool slightly.
- Roll out empanada dough on a floured surface and cut into circles (4-5 inches).
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling onto each dough circle; fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
