Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Savory beef and tender cheese come together in these golden-crusted empanadas, creating an irresistible hand-held delight that brings authentic Latin American flavors right to your kitchen. The flaky exterior gives way to a perfectly seasoned filling, making these empanadas an ideal choice for everything from casual family dinners to elegant entertaining.

I've made these empanadas countless times, and they never fail to impress. My favorite moment is watching guests' faces light up when they bite through the crispy crust into that savory filling. Last weekend, I served these at a family gathering, and even my picky nephew asked for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Select meat with 80/20 fat content for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The fat helps keep the filling moist and flavorful
• All-Purpose Flour: The protein content in all-purpose flour creates the ideal structure for a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape
• Cold Butter: European-style butter with higher fat content produces the flakiest layers in your pastry. Keep it cold until the last possible moment
• Fresh Garlic and Onions: These aromatic foundations infuse the filling with deep, savory notes that permeate every bite
• Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar or mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties coated with anti-caking agents
• Fresh Spices: Recently purchased cumin and paprika provide brighter, more vibrant flavors than older spices

Crafting Perfect Empanadas

Prepare the Flavorful Filling:

Sauté aromatics until golden and fragrant, releasing their essential oils. Incorporate the beef, breaking it into small, consistent pieces for even cooking. Toast the spices in the rendered fat to bloom their flavors fully.

Create the Delicate Dough:

Combine dry ingredients thoroughly before cutting in the cold butter until pea-sized pieces form. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Rest the dough to allow the gluten to relax and the moisture to distribute evenly.

Shape with Care:

Roll dough to uniform thickness, ensuring consistent cooking. Cut precise circles and fill with the cooled mixture, leaving adequate border for sealing. Crimp edges firmly to prevent filling leakage during baking.

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Growing up in a Latin American household, empanadas were a cherished part of our family gatherings. My grandmother taught me the secret to achieving that perfectly flaky crust, always emphasizing the importance of keeping the butter cold and handling the dough gently.

Perfect Pairings

Transform these golden pastries into a complete meal by serving them alongside vibrant cilantro-lime rice and fresh avocado slices. For casual entertaining, arrange them on a platter with bowls of zesty chimichurri sauce, cooling sour cream, and spicy salsa roja. A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

Creative Twists

Personalize your empanadas by incorporating diced bell peppers and corn for added texture and color. Replace the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or create a vegetarian version using black beans and roasted sweet potatoes. Experiment with different cheese combinations – pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while manchego offers a nutty, sophisticated flavor profile.

Keeping Fresh

Store completely cooled empanadas in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their crispy exterior. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

After years of making empanadas, I've learned that patience is the key to perfection. Taking time to properly chill the dough and seal each pastry carefully results in that irresistible combination of crispy exterior and juicy filling that makes these hand pies so special. Whether you're making them for a quiet family dinner or a festive gathering, these empanadas bring a touch of Latin American warmth and flavor to any table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze these empanadas?

Yes! You can freeze them unbaked. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

→ Can I use store-bought dough instead?

Absolutely! Store-bought empanada dough, pie crust, or puff pastry work great as time-saving alternatives.

→ How do I know when the empanadas are done?

They should be golden brown and crispy after baking for 20-25 minutes at 375°F.

→ What can I serve with empanadas?

Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. They're great on their own or with a fresh salad.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes! Try adding corn, diced peppers, or black beans to create your own flavor combinations.