Beef and Cheese Empanadas

When it comes to game day snacks, appetizers, or even quick meals, few things can match the crispy, golden perfection of Beef and Cheese empanadas. These handheld meat pies are packed with savory, seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese, wrapped in a flaky, crispy shell that makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a family gathering, or just as a delicious snack, these empanadas are guaranteed to be a hit.

Empanadas have deep roots in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, known for their versatility and bold flavors. They can be baked or fried, filled with a variety of ingredients, and served with an array of dipping sauces. This beef and cheese version brings the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent flavors, making it an all-time favorite.

Why Beef and Cheese Empanadas Are the Ultimate Party Food

Empanadas are an ideal appetizer or snack because they are:

Handheld and mess-free – No utensils required! Perfect for serving at parties.
Make-ahead friendly – Prepare the filling in advance or freeze unbaked empanadas for quick frying or baking later.
Customizable – You can easily adjust the filling to suit your taste.
Crispy and flavorful – Whether fried or baked, the flaky crust and cheesy filling create an irresistible bite.

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a weekend gathering, or just looking for a fun snack to make, these beef and cheese empanadas will quickly become a household favorite.

For the Filling:

• ground beef
• diced onion
• salt
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• cumin
• Sofrito with tomato
• beef broth
• chopped cilantro
• shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

For the Empanadas:

• 16-18 frozen empanada wrappers, defrosted
• 1 egg (for egg wash, if baking)
• Oil (for frying, if frying)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef: In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Season the Filling: Add diced onions, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, sofrito and cumin. Sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add Flavor: Stir in beef broth. Simmer until thickened, then mix in chopped cilantro. Let the mixture cool.
4. Assemble the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each empanada wrapper. Sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Seal the Edges: Dip finger in water and brush the edges of the dough. Fold the wrapper in half, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal.
6. Cooking Options:
   • Frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry empanadas until golden brown.
   • Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F, brush empanadas with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Tips for Making Perfect Empanadas

• Chill the Dough: If making homemade empanada dough, let it rest in the fridge before rolling. Cold dough is easier to handle.
• Seal Properly: Brush the edges with water then press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent leaks while cooking.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes it harder to seal, leading to possible leaks during frying or baking.
• Use the Right Cheese: A good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella works best.
• Freeze for Later: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply fry or bake from frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Brushing with an egg wash helps them get a nice color.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Q: Can I use store-bought empanada dough?
A: Yes! You can find pre-made empanada discs in the frozen section of many grocery stores.

Game Day and Party Serving Ideas

Planning a game-day spread? These empanadas pair perfectly with other appetizers:

• Honey Lemon Pepper Wings – Balance the crispy empanadas with sweet and, tangy wings.
• Plantain Chips and Dip – A Caribbean-inspired side that complements the flavors.
• Southern Deviled Eggs – Southern Deviled eggs are the quintessential crowd-pleaser.
• Coconut Shrimp – Coconut shrimp is a fusion of sweet and savory flavors, with a crunchy texture.
• Chicken Bouchee – Choux pastry buns stuffed with savory chicken salad.
• Cheesy Potato Balls – Crispy, crunch, cheesy balls of fried potato.

Variations of Beef and Cheese Empanadas

One of the best things about empanadas is how easily they can be customized. Try these variations for a twist on the classic beef and cheese combo:

• Spicy Beef and Pepper Jack Cheese: Love heat? Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Tex-Mex Style Empanadas: Mix in black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flavor.
• Caribbean-Inspired Empanadas: Add scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and allspice for a taste of the islands.
• Breakfast Empanadas: Stuff with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a morning twist.
• Vegetarian Empanadas: Skip the beef and fill with black beans, sweet potatoes, and cheese for a meatless option.