Homemade Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe: Tasty Handheld Joy

Crispy, golden empanadas packed with savory ground beef and melted cheesy ground beef empanadas recipe magic create an irresistible meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

These handheld delights burst with rich, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of seasoned meat and gooey cheese wrapped in a delicate, flaky pastry.

You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary.

The combination of tender beef and melted cheese nestled inside a crisp shell promises pure comfort and satisfaction.

Bite into these empanadas and let the delicious journey begin.

FAQs

• How spicy are these empanadas?

The spice level depends on the Slap Ya Mama® seasoning and jalapeños. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper and jalapeños, or omit them completely.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly to maintain the flavor profile.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these empanadas?

No special equipment is required. A basic 4-inch round cutter or even a small bowl works perfectly for cutting dough circles. A cast iron skillet is recommended but not mandatory.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level to make it mild and appealing to children. Simply reduce or eliminate the hot seasonings and jalapeños for a more kid-friendly version.

What’s to Love About Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Packed with bold spices like cumin, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, and chili powder, these empanadas deliver an incredible taste adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal culinary expertise while providing restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• These handheld treats are perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual family meals, offering a delicious twist on traditional beef pastries that everyone will love and devour quickly.
• Flexible recipe allows for personalized tweaks like adjusting spice levels, swapping meats, or adding extra cheese, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredient Checklist for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base for the empanada filling that provides rich, meaty texture.

• Pie Crusts: Ready-made pastry that creates a crispy and golden exterior for the empanadas.

• Cheese: Adds a creamy and melty element to enhance the overall flavor of the empanadas.
• Egg, Sour Cream: Provides richness and serves as a wash and potential serving accompaniment.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a savory and aromatic foundation to the beef mixture.
• Jalapeños: Introduces a spicy kick and fresh pepper flavor to the filling.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a moist and flavorful base for the beef mixture.

• Cumin, Garlic Salt, Slap Ya Mama® Seasoning, Pepper, Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper, Chili Powder: Blend of spices that deliver complex and bold flavor profiles to the empanada filling.

• Water, Flour: Used for sealing and preparing the dough for empanadas.

Making Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas: A Simple Guide

Step 1: Prepare Savory Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic

Cook until beef turns brown and onions soften.

Drain excess grease completely to prevent soggy texture.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Return beef mixture to pan.

• Cumin
• Garlic salt
• Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• Black pepper
• Oregano
• Crushed red pepper
• Chili powder

Stir thoroughly.

Pour in tomato sauce and diced jalapeños.

Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors merge.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Pastry Pockets

Spread pie crusts on floured surface.

Use 4-inch round cutter to create circular dough shapes.

Aim for four circles per crust.

Collect and re-roll remaining dough scraps for extra circles.

Step 4: Assemble Empanada Pockets

Place cheese in center of each dough circle.

Add beef mixture.

Moisten dough edges with water.

Fold into half-moon shape.

Crimp edges using fork tines to seal completely.

Step 5: Create Golden Exterior

Whisk egg with water to create egg wash.

Brush empanada tops lightly.

Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide empanadas into preheated 425°F oven.

Bake 15 minutes until crust turns golden brown.

Remove and allow brief cooling period.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate empanadas with optional accompaniments like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Savor immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Toast spices in the skillet before adding beef to unlock deeper, more complex taste profiles and enhance overall seasoning intensity.
• Use a wet fork edge when crimping empanada borders to ensure a tight closure and prevent filling from leaking during baking.
• Keep pie crusts chilled before cutting circles to maintain their structure and make handling easier without tearing or stretching.
• Let beef mixture cool slightly before filling empanadas to prevent soggy crusts and maintain a crisp, flaky exterior.
• Prepare extra empanadas and freeze uncooked for quick future meals, simply adding 3-5 minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen state.

Storage and Reheat Info for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Seal cooled empanadas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place frozen or refrigerated empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Brush with a little olive oil to restore crispiness.
• Place empanadas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-45 seconds if refrigerated, or 1-2 minutes if frozen. Add a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Best Pairings for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Spice Up Your Sips: Pair the zesty ground beef empanadas with a refreshing Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial. The light, crisp beer cuts through the richness of the cheesy beef filling and complements the spicy seasonings.
• Salsa Dancing on Your Palate: Whip up a quick homemade salsa verde or pico de gallo to serve alongside the empanadas. The fresh, bright flavors of the salsa will balance the deep, hearty meat and cheese combination.
• Cool Down the Heat: Add a dollop of tangy sour cream or creamy guacamole as a side. These cool, smooth accompaniments will temper the spiciness from the Slap Ya Mama® seasoning and crushed red pepper, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Citrus Sipper: Blend a quick margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of triple sec. The citrusy, slightly tart drink will cut through the empanadas' richness and provide a zesty counterpoint to the savory filling.

Flavor Twists for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Veggie-Packed Alternative: Replace ground beef with a mixture of black beans, diced bell peppers, corn, and quinoa for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains the same robust flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional pie crusts with gluten-free pastry dough made from almond flour or use corn tortillas as a wrapper, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the empanadas.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute pie crust with thinly sliced zucchini or large lettuce leaves as a wrapper, using cauliflower rice mixed with ground beef as the filling to create a low-carbohydrate meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Remove cheese from the filling and replace with nutritional yeast for a similar savory taste, using dairy-free egg wash made from plant-based milk to create a golden crust that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible ground beef empanadas blend Mexican culinary traditions with melted cheese magic. Crispy pastry shells packed with savory seasoned meat promise a delightful bite that satisfies hunger and sparks joy for you.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red peppers
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (240 milliliters) can tomato sauce
• 2 boxes Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust
• 1 egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, approximately 7-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain excess grease to maintain filling integrity.
2. Return beef mixture to pan and incorporate seasonings: cumin, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly. Add tomato sauce and jalapeños, allowing mixture to simmer and reduce for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
3. Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to create circular dough sections, aiming for four circles per crust. Repurpose remaining dough scraps by re-rolling and cutting additional circles to minimize waste.
4. Position each dough circle and center a sprinkle of cheese. Add approximately ¼ cup beef filling. Moisten dough edges with water to facilitate sealing. Fold dough into half-moon shape, crimping edges with a fork to secure filling completely.
5. Prepare egg wash by whisking one egg with water. Delicately brush empanada surfaces to achieve a golden, glossy finish. Arrange empanadas on parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring slight separation between pastries.
6. Bake for 15 minutes until crusts transform into a rich, golden-brown color. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling period. Serve alongside complementary condiments like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize Heat Levels by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper and jalapeños, allowing guests to enjoy spiciness according to their preference.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms by ensuring the beef mixture is well-drained and not too watery, which could make the pie crust soggy during baking.
• Make Ahead Friendly by preparing the beef filling a day in advance and storing it in the refrigerator, saving time during meal preparation.
• Explore Dietary Variations through substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for healthier or vegetarian options.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg