Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever craved a dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and a delightful crunch? Look no further than this Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor. These golden pastries are filled with seasoned beef, melting cheese, and a hint of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine biting into a flaky crust that gives way to a savory filling, with each bite bursting with flavor and warmth.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and delicious aromas filled the air. Whether you’re hosting a game night, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these empanadas are the perfect addition to any occasion. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this delightful dish that promises satisfaction in every bite!
Key Ingredients For Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the filling to keep it flavorful without excess grease.
Onion: Chopped onion provides sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic kick that elevates the flavor profile.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully inside the empanadas and complements the beef.
Empanada Dough: You can use store-bought or homemade dough; just ensure it’s rolled thin for the best texture.
Egg Wash: A mixture of beaten egg with water helps achieve a beautiful golden color on the crust when baked.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil enhances flavors and promotes even cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Prepare the Filling
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before adding ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Cook until browned.
Second Step : Add Cheese
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Allow this mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.
Third Step : Roll Out Dough
On a floured surface, roll out your empanada dough into thin circles about six inches in diameter. Ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
Fourth Step : Fill Empanadas
Place a generous spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold over one side to create a half-moon shape, then press edges together firmly with your fingers or use a fork to seal them.
Fifth Step : Bake Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sealed empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each one with egg wash for a glossy finish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Transfer to plates and enjoy these warm Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas as an appetizer or main course!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Customize Your Filling: Feel free to experiment with different meats or vegetables based on your preferences.
Chill Dough Before Rolling: If using homemade dough, chilling it for about thirty minutes makes it easier to handle.
Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill your empanadas; this can cause them to burst during baking.
These tips will help you create perfect Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas every time!
Cooking Method
To prepare the Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor, start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices such as cumin or paprika. Once cooked, mix in shredded cheese until melted. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before filling the empanada dough.
Next, roll out your empanada dough on a floured surface. Cut into circles using a large cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each one with an egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm for an unforgettable snack or meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor will delight your guests when served with various accompaniments:
Fresh Salsa: Pair with homemade salsa for a fresh kick.
Avocado Dip: Creamy avocado dip enhances the flavors.
Side Salad: A crisp side salad balances the richness of the empanadas.
Storage Tips
To maintain freshness, store leftover Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay good for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them before baking. Wrap each empanada tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, bake from frozen; simply add extra time in the oven.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor by experimenting with different fillings. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Alternatively, try mixing different types of cheese such as pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
FAQs :
How can I make my empanadas crispy?
To achieve crispy Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor, ensure your dough is rolled thinly but not too thin that it tears easily. Baking at a higher temperature also helps create that lovely crispiness outside while keeping the filling moist inside. An egg wash can contribute additional crunch when baked.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough can save you time without sacrificing flavor in your Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor. Look for empanada or pie crusts at your local grocery store; they often yield great results and offer convenience especially if you’re short on time.
What type of cheese works best?
For your Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor, cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack work wonderfully due to their melting properties and flavor complexity. However, you can mix cheeses based on your preference; just remember that stronger cheeses might dominate other flavors.
Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas Recipe to Savor ahead of time by assembling them and freezing before baking. This allows you to enjoy freshly baked empanadas whenever you wish without much prep hassle on serving day!
Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Yummy Beef & Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food, combining a flaky crust with a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these delicious pastries are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by warm, rich flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether as an appetizer or main dish, these empanadas are the ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from heat; mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Roll out empanada dough into 6-inch circles on a floured surface.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold over to create half-moons and seal edges with a fork.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada (85g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
