Empanadas

Cozy Beef Empanadas Recipe

As the leaves turn to a golden amber and a slight chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as sinking your teeth into a warm, flaky beef empanada. Each bite takes me back to my childhood, spent in the cozy kitchen of my grandmother, where the buttery aroma of freshly baked goods mingled with stories of family gatherings and laughter. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt invitation to create memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a delightful snack or an easy weeknight dinner, these empanadas will fill your home—and your heart—with warmth.

This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a hearty, cheesy filling, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages!
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with fillings and cheeses — the possibilities are endless!
• Comforting and Cozy: Each bite is filled with nostalgia and warmth, great for chilly evenings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time to have cozy meals ready at a moment’s notice!

Gather These Simple Ingredients

For these delicious empanadas, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Let’s Make It Together

1. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly stir in the cold water until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined.

3. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you assemble the empanadas.

4. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles (about 4 inches in diameter) from the dough.

5. Fill and seal: Place a generous spoonful of the beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, then crimp and seal the edges with a fork to ensure no fillings escape during baking.

6. Egg wash for that golden touch: Beat the egg and brush the tops of the empanadas with this egg wash. This will give your empanadas a beautiful golden color as they bake.

7. Bake to perfection: Place the empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy. If you prefer a quicker method, you can air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Fun Ways to Customize It

• Zesty Salsa Verde: Serve your empanadas with a side of zesty salsa verde for a fresh kick.
• Spicy Chorizo Filling: Swap out the ground beef for chorizo for a spicier, more robust flavor.
• Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with a blend of sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans mixed with cheese.
• Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of sweetness by including caramelized onions or roasted sweet potatoes in the filling.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make Ahead: You can easily make the dough and filling a day in advance for a quick assembly on your busy nights!
• Freezing Instructions: If you want to stash some empanadas away, freeze them before baking. Just place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flash freeze for about an hour, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Egg Wash Substitute: If you’re out of eggs, brush the tops with milk or a plant-based milk for a nice sheen.
• Perfect Portions: Use a small ice cream scoop to make perfect portions of filling for each empanada.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

• Serving Size: 1 empanada
• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 9g
• Sodium: 300mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead?
  Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance.

• Can I use different ingredients?
  Yes! Feel free to swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or even a veggie mixture.

• How do I store leftovers?
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

• How long does it last?
  Frozen empanadas can be stored for up to two months. Just bake them straight from frozen!

A Cozy Closing Note

These beef empanadas are not just a dish; they’re a warm embrace on a chilly evening, a bite of nostalgia, and an invitation to gather around a table filled with love. Whether you enjoy them on a busy weeknight or at a family gathering, they’re sure to create lasting memories. Save this Empanadas to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!