Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for beef cheese empanadas! These little pockets of joy are not just a meal; they’re an experience. I remember the first time I tried them at a family gathering, the aroma wafting through the kitchen was utterly intoxicating. As I bit into the crispy golden crust, the savory beef and melted cheese spilled out, creating a flavor explosion that made me weak in the knees. Trust me, once you make these at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought! They’re perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. You’ll absolutely adore how easy and satisfying they are to make!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients for these beef cheese empanadas is super simple! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough (you can find this in the freezer section—such a time-saver!)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the empanadas while frying)
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to empanada heaven!
How to Prepare Beef Cheese Empanadas
Making beef cheese empanadas is a delightful process that brings a little bit of Latin flavor right into your kitchen! Let’s dive into the steps to create these scrumptious bites.
Step 1: Sauté the Filling
First things first, heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat—just enough to coat the bottom. Once it’s hot (you’ll know when it shimmers!), toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Trust me, the cheese will melt into that savory beef, and the aroma will have you dreaming of empanada perfection!
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Now, let’s talk dough! If you’re using frozen empanada dough, let it thaw as you prepare your filling. Once you’re ready, lay out a dough circle on a clean surface. Use a spoon to add a generous scoop of the beef and cheese mixture to the center—don’t overfill, or it’ll be a messy situation! Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal them, and for an extra secure seal, you can crimp the edges with a fork. This also gives it that cute little design. Oops, don’t forget to keep a little space between the filling and the edge for a nice seal!
Step 3: Fry the Empanadas
Time to fry! Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Gently add the empanadas to the hot oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. I like to use a slotted spoon to turn them for even cooking. Once they’re perfectly golden, remove them and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil. Now, you’re ready to serve these delicious beef cheese empanadas, and I promise they’ll be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious flavor that combines savory beef and melty cheese in every bite.
- Great for gatherings; they disappear fast at parties!
- Customizable fillings—try different cheeses or add veggies for a personal touch.
- Fun to make with family or friends; a perfect cooking project!
- Each empanada is a delightful, handheld treat that everyone will adore.
Nutritional Information
These beef cheese empanadas are not just tasty, but they also pack a decent nutritional punch! Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect per empanada:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, they’re a satisfying snack that will keep you energized!
Tips for Success
To ensure your beef cheese empanadas turn out perfectly, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, make sure your empanada dough is well-thawed and slightly chilled; this makes it easier to handle. When filling, don’t overstuff—leave that little border so they seal nicely. For frying, aim for that magic temperature of around 350°F (175°C); too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll soak up oil. If you want to mix things up, feel free to substitute the ground beef with chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian twist! And remember, if frying isn’t your thing, baked empanadas can be just as delightful—just brush them with a little oil before popping them in the oven. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about beef cheese empanadas is how versatile they are! You can easily switch up the cheese for a different flavor experience—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist! If you’re in the mood for something unique, add some chopped jalapeños or roasted red peppers to the filling for a burst of color and flavor. Feeling adventurous? Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even a hearty mix of black beans and corn for a vegetarian option. The sky’s the limit with these delicious little pockets!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving beef cheese empanadas, the options are endless! I love pairing them with a fresh salsa that adds a zesty kick—just diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime do the trick beautifully. Sour cream is another fantastic option; it cools down the spices and adds a creamy richness that complements the savory filling perfectly. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is an excellent choice to balance the richness of the empanadas. Trust me, whatever you choose, it’ll elevate your empanada experience to a whole new level!
FAQ Section
Got questions about beef cheese empanadas? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, just brush the empanadas with a bit of oil and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or air fryer to get that crispiness back!
Can I use different meats?
Of course! Ground chicken, turkey, or even a mix of vegetables can work beautifully as substitutes. Just adjust your seasoning accordingly!
What’s the best way to freeze them?
To freeze, lay the uncooked filled empanadas on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the fry time.
Beef Cheese Empanadas: 7 Irresistible Flavor Bombs
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 12 empanadas 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Delicious beef cheese empanadas filled with savory beef and melted cheese.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 package of empanada dough
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cheese.
- Preheat oil in a deep fryer or a pot.
- Take a dough circle, fill with beef mixture, and fold over to seal.
- Fry empanadas until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier option, bake instead of frying.
- You can use other cheeses if desired.
- Serve with salsa or sour cream.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Snacks
- Méthode: Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: beef cheese empanadas
