Beef and Cheese Empanadas
These Beef and Cheese Empanadas combine savory ground beef and melted cheese in a flaky crust, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef for a juicy and savory filling
- 1 medium onion, chopped to add a slight sweetness and depth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced for a fragrant, flavorful boost
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin to provide warmth and earthiness
- 1.5 tsp garlic salt for an extra kick of flavor
- 1 tsp seasoned salt to bring everything together
- 1 tsp pepper for that subtle hint of spice
- 1 tsp oregano to enhance the herbal notes
- 0.5 tsp crushed red peppers for a gentle level of heat
- 0.25 tsp chili powder to round out the flavor profile
- 8 oz can tomato sauce adding moisture and tanginess
- 1 Tbsp diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of zing
- 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated for a bold cheese flavor
- 0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated adding creaminess
Dough and Finish
- 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust for an effortless dough option
- 1 egg for egg wash for that beautiful golden finish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a cast iron pan or large frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat with chopped onions and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink.
- Drain any excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
- Sprinkle in the seasonings: ground cumin, garlic salt, seasoned salt, pepper, oregano, crushed red peppers, and chili powder, and stir together.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and add diced jalapeños. Allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
Assembly
- Unroll the pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut out rounds of dough using a 4-inch bowl.
- Dab a little water along the perimeter of the dough before filling.
- Spoon a small amount of shredded cheese and about a 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto each round.
- Fold the dough over and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and brush with egg wash (egg and water whisked together).
Baking
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
For perfect empanadas, avoid overfilling. You can add black olives or sautéed peppers for extra flavor, or try different cheeses like pepper jack or feta for variations.