Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas are a staple in Latin American cuisine, offering a delightful combination of flaky pastry and savory fillings. The beef and cheese empanada recipe we're exploring combines hearty ground beef with the melting goodness of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, encased in a homemade dough that bakes to perfection. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

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Ingredients

DOUGH

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 large egg

FILLING & ASSEMBLY

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup chopped pickled jalapeños
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¼ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 large egg, for egg wash

Preparation

Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized pieces form. Add the egg and ¾ cup of water, mixing with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.

Step 2:
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to allow the gluten to relax and the dough to firm up.

FILLING & ASSEMBLY

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink, around 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2:
Return the pan to medium heat and stir the tomato paste into the beef. Add the oregano, cumin, and paprika, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the jalapeños and tomatoes and cook until everything is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Step 3:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Using a 4.5-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds of dough. Repeat with the remaining dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary.

Step 4:
Moisten the edge of a dough round with water, place about 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center, and top with a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 5:
Beat the remaining egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheets and brush with the egg wash.

Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven until the empanadas are golden brown and the filling is hot, about 25 minutes.

Step 7:
Serve the empanadas warm, garnished with cilantro and accompanied by sour cream if desired.

COOKING Note

• The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight, which can improve its texture and flavor.
• Ensure the filling is not too wet to prevent the empanadas from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these beef and cheese empanadas with a side of guacamole, salsa, and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Tips

• For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
• The empanadas can be frozen before baking and cooked straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Prep Time:

• 1 hour 20 minutes (including refrigeration)

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approx. 300-400 per empanada (varies with filling)
• Protein: Approx. 15g per empanada
• Sodium: Approx. 300mg per empanada

Conclusion

Beef and cheese empanadas are a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. With a golden, flaky crust outside and a juicy, cheesy filling inside, they're sure to be a hit. Whether for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a comforting snack, these empanadas are a delicious way to enjoy the essence of Latin American cuisine.