There’s something truly special about homemade empanadas, isn’t there? The golden, flaky crust cradling a warm, savory filling brings back memories of family gatherings and shared laughter around the dinner table. My beef and cheese empanada filling recipe is not just easy to prepare; it’s a comforting dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and your hearts with joy. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a staple in my kitchen. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive celebration with loved ones. I love how simple ingredients come together to create something so satisfying, and the best part? You can easily customize them to suit everyone’s taste! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and start making some delicious memories!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese, preferably cheddar or mozzarella
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package of empanada dough
How to Prepare the Beef and Cheese Empanada Filling Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This part is quite straightforward, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this filling. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious filling for your empanadas in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. This will help sauté our vegetables nicely.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- Next, add in the ground beef. Cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with your spatula as it cooks.
- Now it’s time to season! Stir in the cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and let the spices infuse the beef for another minute.
- Once your beef is nicely seasoned, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into the warm filling. This adds such a creamy texture!
- Let the filling cool slightly before you start assembling your empanadas. This helps prevent the dough from getting soggy and makes it easier to handle.
- Now, take your empanada dough and fill each round with about 1-2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese mixture. Don’t overfill or they’ll burst while cooking!
- Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to seal the edges tightly. You want to make sure no filling escapes during cooking!
- Finally, you can either fry or bake your empanadas until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you’re frying, be careful with the hot oil! If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 minutes.
And there you have it! A simple, comforting beef and cheese empanada filling that’s ready to be enjoyed. You’ll love the way your kitchen smells while they cook, and trust me, your family will be eagerly waiting for a taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Each bite is filled with comforting flavors that warm your heart and soul.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create something truly delicious.
- Customizable to suit any taste—add your favorite spices or veggies!
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends at gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Whether baked or fried, these empanadas are always a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
Getting those empanadas just right is all about a few simple tricks! First, when sealing the edges, make sure to press firmly with your fork to create a good seal; this keeps all that delicious filling inside while they cook. You can also brush a little water on the edges of the dough before pressing to help it stick better.
If you’re frying, don’t overcrowd the pan—this can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy instead of crispy. Fry in batches if you need to! And remember, always be careful with hot oil; it’s best to have a splatter guard handy.
If baking, preheating your oven is key; this ensures even cooking. For an extra golden finish, brush the tops of your empanadas with a bit of beaten egg before baking. It gives them a lovely shine and rich color! Enjoy every bite of your homemade goodness!
Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many delightful ways to switch up the filling in your empanadas! For a different protein, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef; they’re just as tasty! If you want a little kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Cheese lovers can experiment with pepper jack for a zesty twist or go for a rich, creamy feta for a Mediterranean flair. And don’t forget about veggies! You can add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms to make your filling even more colorful and nutritious. The possibilities are endless, so have fun creating your own unique empanadas!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover empanadas, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact! Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. If you prefer, you can also use a microwave, but be aware that they might lose some of their crispiness. Just give them a quick blast in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then enjoy your tasty leftovers! Happy eating!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used in this beef and cheese empanada filling recipe. For precise nutritional values, it’s best to calculate based on the exact products you choose. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ Section
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and cheese filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have empanada dough?
No worries! You can use store-bought pie crust or even make your own dough at home. Just roll it out and cut it into circles for filling.
Can I freeze the empanadas?
Yes! After assembling, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with the empanadas?
These empanadas pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream. You could also serve them with a side of guacamole for an extra creamy treat!
Are these empanadas gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free empanada dough, then yes! Just check the package to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
Comforting Beef and Cheese Empanada Filling Recipe to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting beef and cheese empanada filling recipe that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package of empanada dough
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef. Cook until browned.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheese until melted.
- Let the filling cool slightly.
- Take empanada dough and fill each round with 1-2 tablespoons of filling.
- Fold dough over and seal edges with a fork.
- Fry or bake until golden brown.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Swap cheese for a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: beef and cheese empanada filling recipe
