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Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe

Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe

Learn how to make the best Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe with flaky pastry, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and easy homemade instructions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 empanadas
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold butter cubed
  • ½ cup chilled water
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium potato diced small
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large egg beaten

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking tray
  • Fork
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring cups
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. Mix flour, salt, cold butter, and chilled water until a soft dough forms, then knead gently, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for easier rolling.
    Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe Step 1 Prepare the Dough
Step 2: Cook the Filling
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook onion, garlic, potato, and ground beef together until browned, tender, fragrant, and fully cooked.
    Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe Step 2 Cook the Filling
Step 3: Season the Meat
  1. Add paprika, cumin, black pepper, and traditional spices, then stir thoroughly until the meat filling becomes rich, flavorful, and evenly seasoned.
    Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe Step 3 Season the Meat
Step 4: Roll the Pastry
  1. Roll the chilled homemade dough on a lightly floured surface, then cut equal circles using a round cutter or bowl.
    Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe Step 4 Roll the Pastry
Step 5: Fill and Seal
  1. Place cooled meat filling and shredded cheese into each pastry circle, fold carefully, press edges firmly, and seal completely using a fork.
    Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe Step 5 Fill and Seal
Step 6: Bake or Fry
  1. Brush each empanada with beaten egg, then bake, fry, or air fryer cook until golden, flaky, crispy, and beautifully browned.
    Beef and Cheese Empanada Recipe Step 6 Bake or Fry

Notes

Always cool the filling completely before stuffing for crisp pastry, better sealing, and perfectly shaped homemade empanadas.