Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe (Flaky, Freezer-Friendly & Make-Ahead)

😋 Craving a Snack That’s Both Yummy and Easy? Let’s Make Beef & Cheese Empanadas!

🌟 Overview: Your Ticket to Empanada Heaven!

Have you ever wished you could just snap your fingers and have a delicious, warm, and cheesy snack appear? Well, making Beef and Cheese Empanadas is almost like that! These little pockets of goodness are filled with tasty beef and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. Think of them like yummy little pies you can hold in your hand!

This recipe is special because it’s super freezer-friendly and great to make ahead. That means you can make a big batch now and enjoy them whenever you want a quick and satisfying bite. Perfect for busy days or when you have friends coming over!

Time to Make: About 1 hour (including prep and cook time)

Skill Level: Easy-peasy! Anyone can make these, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen.

Ready to become an empanada pro? Let’s get started!

🍎 Essential Ingredients: The Magic Makers

To make the best Beef and Cheese Empanadas, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Think of these as the superheroes of our recipe, each with a special job to do!

Ground Beef: This is the star of our filling! It gives us that yummy, savory flavor. You can use lean ground beef so it’s not too greasy.
Onion and Garlic: These are flavor boosters! They make the beef taste even better. Imagine them as the sidekicks to our ground beef superhero.
Spices (like cumin, paprika, oregano): Spices are like the secret ingredient that adds a little zing and makes everything taste amazing. We’ll use some common ones that are easy to find.
Beef Broth or Tomato Sauce: This adds moisture and extra flavor to our beef filling. It helps everything stick together nicely.
Cheese: Oh, cheese! This is what makes everything gooey and delicious. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even mozzarella work great. Pick your favorite cheesy friend!
Empanada Discs (or Pie Crust): This is the flaky wrapper that holds everything together. You can find these ready-made in the freezer section of the grocery store. They make things super easy! If you can’t find empanada discs, pie crust works too, you’ll just need to cut out circles.
Egg (for egg wash): This is like a shiny coat for our empanadas! Brushing them with egg wash before baking makes them golden brown and extra crispy.

Substitutions and Variations: Make it Your Own!

Want to change things up a bit? No problem! Here are some easy swaps:

Ground Beef Swap: Not a beef fan? Use ground turkey, chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian option!
Cheese Changes: Try different cheeses! Pepper jack for a little spice, or a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili powder or some chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat!
Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots into the beef mixture for extra nutrients.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, time to put on our chef hats and get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious Beef and Cheese Empanadas.

Step 1: Make the Yummy Beef Filling (About 20 minutes)

Cook the Beef: Put your ground beef in a pan over medium heat. Use a spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until it’s brown, and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: Drain off any extra grease after the beef is cooked. You don’t want greasy empanadas!
Add Onions and Garlic: Chop up your onion and garlic into small pieces. Add them to the pan with the cooked beef. Cook for another 5 minutes until the onions are soft and see-through. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Spice it Up!: Sprinkle in your spices – cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices coat the beef and veggies. Cook for another minute so the spices wake up and smell even better.
Add Broth or Tomato Sauce: Pour in your beef broth or tomato sauce. This will make the filling moist and flavorful. Let it simmer (bubble gently) for about 5-10 minutes, until the sauce thickens a bit. You don’t want it too watery.
Tip: Taste your filling! Does it need a little more salt or pepper? Now’s the time to add it!
Cool it Down: Take the beef filling off the heat and let it cool down completely. This is important! If the filling is too hot, it will melt the empanada dough and make it sticky.

Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas (About 20 minutes)

Get Ready: Lay out your empanada discs on a clean surface. If you’re using pie crust, use a cookie cutter or a bowl to cut out circles about 4-5 inches wide.
Fill ’em Up!: Put a spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill them, or they might burst open while baking!
Cheese Please!: Sprinkle some cheese on top of the beef filling in each circle. Yum!
Fold and Seal: Fold the dough circle in half to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty look and to make sure they are really sealed. Think of it like giving your empanadas a fancy border!

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection (About 20 minutes)

Preheat Oven: Turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C).
Egg Wash: Crack an egg into a small bowl and whisk it with a fork. Brush a little egg wash over the top of each empanada. This will make them golden brown and shiny.

Tip: A little milk or water mixed with the egg makes the egg wash even easier to brush on.
Bake Time!: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (this makes cleanup easy!). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
Tip: Keep an eye on them! Ovens can be different, so they might bake a little faster or slower in your oven.
Cool and Enjoy!: Let the baked empanadas cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. Be careful, they will be hot!

Congratulations! You just made delicious Beef and Cheese Empanadas! Give yourself a pat on the back – you’re an empanada superstar!

🎨 Assembly and Presentation: Make ’em Look Amazing!

Making empanadas is fun, and making them look good is even better! Here are some tips to make your Beef and Cheese Empanadas look as yummy as they taste.

Tips for Pretty Empanadas:

Crimped Edges: Using a fork to press down the edges not only seals them but also creates a nice, wavy pattern. It makes them look extra fancy!
Egg Wash Shine: Don’t skip the egg wash! It gives your empanadas that beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely shine.
Uniform Size: Try to make all your empanadas roughly the same size. This way, they cook evenly and look neat on a plate.
Toppings (after baking): A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top of the baked empanadas can add a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Dip it Good: Empanadas are great on their own, but even better with a dipping sauce! Try salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a spicy mayo.
Make it a Meal: Serve your empanadas with a side salad or some rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Party Platter: Arrange your empanadas on a nice platter for parties or gatherings. They are always a crowd-pleaser!

Remember, presentation is part of the fun! Make your empanadas look as good as they taste, and everyone will be impressed!

📦 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Empanadas Anytime!

One of the best things about Beef and Cheese Empanadas is that they are perfect for making ahead and storing. This means you can have a yummy snack or meal ready to go whenever you want!

Storing Empanadas:

Refrigerator: Baked empanadas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely first, then put them in an airtight container.
Freezer: Empanadas are super freezer-friendly! You can freeze them baked or unbaked.
- Baked Empanadas: Let them cool completely, then wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap, and then put them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Unbaked Empanadas: Assemble the empanadas, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Empanadas:

Oven: For the best results, reheat empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: You can reheat them in the microwave, but they might not be as crispy. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Air Fryer: Air fryers are great for reheating empanadas! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.

Make-Ahead Magic:

Make the Filling Ahead: You can make the beef filling a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves you time on the day you want to assemble and bake the empanadas.
Assemble Ahead, Bake Later: You can assemble the empanadas completely and store them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours, or freeze them for longer storage. This is perfect if you want to get ahead for a party or potluck.

With these tips, you can always have delicious Beef and Cheese Empanadas ready whenever you crave them!

🎉 Recipe Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!

Once you’ve mastered the basic Beef and Cheese Empanadas, why not try some fun and tasty variations? Here are a few ideas to get your creative cooking juices flowing!

Flavorful Filling Swaps:

Chicken and Cheese Empanadas: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef. Add some sautéed onions, peppers, and your favorite cheese for a delicious chicken version.
Spicy Chorizo and Potato Empanadas: Use spicy chorizo sausage and diced potatoes for a flavorful and hearty filling.
Spinach and Ricotta Empanadas (Vegetarian): Mix cooked spinach with ricotta cheese, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a yummy vegetarian option.
Sweet Empanadas (Dessert!): Fill your empanadas with sweet fillings like apple pie filling, Nutella and banana, or guava paste and cheese for a sweet treat!

Crust Creations:

- Homemade Empanada Dough: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own empanada dough from scratch! There are tons of recipes online. simple empanada dough recipe.

Different Crusts: Experiment with different types of dough, like puff pastry for extra flakiness, or even corn masa for a different texture and flavor.

Dipping Sauce Adventures:

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping sauces! Try these:

- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
- Chimichurri Sauce: A fresh and herby Argentinian sauce that’s amazing with beef empanadas.chimichurri sauce recipe

Cheese Sauce: A warm and cheesy dip is always a winner.
Fruity Salsa: Mango salsa or pineapple salsa can add a sweet and tangy contrast to savory empanadas.

The possibilities are endless! Have fun experimenting and creating your own signature empanada recipes!

🎉 Conclusion: Empanada Fun Awaits!

Wow, you’ve learned how to make amazing Beef and Cheese Empanadas! From the flaky crust to the savory filling, these little pockets of deliciousness are sure to be a hit with everyone. They are:

Easy to make: Even kitchen beginners can rock this recipe!
Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and enjoy whenever you want.
Versatile: So many ways to change up the fillings and flavors!
Super yummy: Seriously, who can resist a warm, cheesy empanada?

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to make some empanada magic! Don’t be afraid to try different variations and find your own favorite combinations. Happy cooking, and most importantly, happy eating!

Call to action: Try this recipe this weekend and share your empanada creations with us on social media! #BeefAndCheeseEmpanadas #EmpanadaRecipe #HomemadeGoodness

❓ FAQs: Your Empanada Questions Answered!

Got questions about making Beef and Cheese Empanadas? We’ve got answers! Here are some common questions people ask.

Question	Answer
Can I make these ahead of time?	Absolutely! Empanadas are perfect for making ahead. You can make the filling, assemble them, and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. See our “Storage and Make-Ahead Tips” section for details.
Are Beef and Cheese Empanadas healthy?	Empanadas can be part of a balanced diet. Using lean ground beef and adding veggies to the filling can make them healthier. Baking them instead of frying also reduces the fat content. Everything in moderation!
How long do empanadas last in the fridge?	Baked empanadas will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?	Yes! Feel free to use your favorite cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses all work great.
What if I can’t find empanada discs?	No problem! You can use refrigerated pie crust instead. Just use a cookie cutter or bowl to cut out circles from the pie crust.
Can I fry these instead of baking?	Yes, you can fry empanadas! Heat about 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful when frying!
Are these kid-friendly?	Definitely! Kids usually love empanadas. They are fun to eat with your hands and the cheesy beef filling is a crowd-pleaser. You can even get kids involved in the assembly process!

Still have questions? Ask us in the comments below! We’re here to help you become an empanada expert!