Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
- 3 c. all-purpose flour
plus more for surface
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 c. cold butter
cut into cubes
- 3/4 c. water
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 c. chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 c. chopped pickled jalapeños
- 1 1/4 c. shredded Cheddar
- 1 1/4 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
- Egg wash
for brushing 
- Freshly chopped cilantro
for garnish
- Sour cream
for serving
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut butter into flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until pea-sized. Add water and egg and mix until a dough forms. Turn dough out on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Preheat oven to 400° and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 3
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 5 minutes. Drain fat.
Cheesy Beef Empanadas
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, savory bite that feels special without being complicated? These Cheesy Beef Empanadas are an irresistible upgrade to your dinner routine, promising a delightful experience with every flaky, cheesy mouthful. They're genuinely hard to resist! If you're looking for a homemade classic that brings big flavors, you've found it.
What makes these empanadas truly stand out is the combination of a tender, savory ground beef filling generously mixed with a vibrant blend of seasonings and, crucially, plenty of melted cheese. The aromatic yellow onion and minced garlic lay a fantastic foundation, while tomato paste, oregano, cumin, and paprika infuse the beef with a rich, complex depth. It’s a hearty, satisfying filling that perfectly balances flavor and texture, encased in a beautifully crafted dough.
Expect a truly gratifying culinary experience. Each empanada delivers a delicious contrast: the slightly crisp, buttery exterior of the pastry giving way to a warm, juicy interior. You'll taste the well-seasoned ground beef, brightened by chopped tomatoes and a kick from pickled jalapeños, all bound together by the luscious melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The overall profile is savory with a pleasant warmth, a hint of tang, and a creamy finish that will leave you wanting more. The homemade dough, crafted with all-purpose flour, cold butter, and baking powder, ensures a wonderfully tender and flaky crust that elevates this dish beyond simple fare.
This recipe yields about 15 servings, making it fantastic for family meals or entertaining. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer pickled jalapeños to the filling, or even omitting them if you prefer a milder taste. For a richer, deeper beef flavor, consider browning the ground beef until truly caramelized. Don't have both Cheddar and Monterey Jack? You could use a good quality Mexican blend or even just one of the specified cheeses, though the combination offers a wonderful balance of creaminess and sharp flavor.
Serve these delectable empanadas warm, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream. They make an excellent main course for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer for gatherings and celebrations.