Cheesy Beefy Empanadas: Golden Pockets of Juicy, Melty Flavor
The Ultimate Handheld Comfort Food with Serious Cheesy Vibes
If you’re craving something savory, cheesy, beefy, and wrapped in golden, buttery pastry—say hello to Cheesy Beefy Empanadas. These flavorful empanadas are everything you want in a comfort food snack: juicy seasoned ground beef, loads of melty cheese, and a crispy handheld crust that delivers in every bite. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, snacking, or a next-level party platter. Whether you bake them or fry them, these empanadas hold their own as a meal or a side, and they reheat beautifully. Forget dry meat pies or bland pastries—these are stuffed, juicy, and layered with bold flavor. Think taco filling meets grilled cheese—inside flaky pastry heaven.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp oregano
• ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 1 tbsp oil for sautéing
For the Dough:
• 1 pack of empanada wrappers (store-bought) OR
• Homemade dough: 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), 1 egg, ½ cup cold water
For Assembly:
• 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Extra cheese for topping (optional)
• Oil for frying or baking (butter or spray)
Instructions
• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the oil and add the diced onion. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
• Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Pour in the broth or water and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the beef is saucy but not watery. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Once the beef has cooled, stir in the shredded cheese. This prevents the cheese from melting too early and helps everything stay stuffed.
• If using store-bought empanada discs, let them come to room temperature before filling. If using homemade dough, roll it out into 5–6 inch rounds.
• Spoon 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling into the center of each disc. Don’t overfill.
• Fold the dough over into a half-moon shape and press edges with a fork to seal. For extra security, crimp or twist the edges.
• Brush each empanada with beaten egg to get that golden shine.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown, or air fry at 370°F for 10–12 minutes. For a classic crispy finish, deep fry in oil at 350°F until golden.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve alone or with sour cream, salsa, or chipotle mayo for dipping.
Optional Add-Ons & Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Creamy Touch: Mix in a spoonful of cream cheese with the meat for a creamier filling.
Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to stretch the filling and add texture.
Tex-Mex Style: Toss in a little taco seasoning, and top baked empanadas with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and salsa for a plated dish.
Breakfast Twist: Use the same beef filling with scrambled eggs and shredded cheese for breakfast empanadas.
Why You’ll Love These
Cheesy Beefy Empanadas are filling, satisfying, and completely customizable. They freeze beautifully—just assemble, freeze before baking, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready. The flavor is rich, the cheese pull is real, and the outside crisps up like a golden dream whether baked or fried. They’re easy to pack for lunch, serve at parties, or pair with soup or salad for a full meal. Plus, the seasoning is just right—not bland, not too spicy, just bold enough to make your tastebuds happy.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Beefy Empanadas are more than just a snack—they’re a whole vibe. Juicy beef, melty cheese, buttery crust—what more could you want? They’re easy to make, easy to share, and hard to stop eating. Whether you’re baking a batch for the week or serving them hot and crispy straight from the fryer, they bring homemade flavor with major payoff.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
