Savory Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe with Melted Cheese

Cheesy ground beef empanadas have won hearts across countless tables with their warm, satisfying appeal and ability to suit any occasion.

Whether lunch needs a boost or dinner calls for something special, few handheld options deliver such comforting flavor in one golden package.

The combination works beautifully for gatherings, busy weeknights, or whenever hunger strikes and only something hearty will do.

Families love how easily everyone can enjoy them, while hosts appreciate their crowd-pleasing nature at parties and potlucks.

Making them at home means controlling quality while enjoying that fresh-from-the-oven aroma that fills every corner of the kitchen.

Every bite offers that perfect balance of savory richness wrapped in tender pastry that makes stopping at just one nearly impossible.

Follow along below and see how simple it is to bring authentic flavor right to the table!

Why Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Are Popular

• Simple Crowd-Pleaser: These empanadas turn ground beef into something special that everyone at the table will devour, from kids to adults who appreciate hearty comfort food.
• Weeknight Dinner Hero: Grab pre-made pie crust and basic pantry spices to transform ordinary ground beef into a satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Flexible Flavor Adventure: Adjust the spice levels to match your family’s taste preferences, making these empanadas a versatile dish that can handle mild or bold seasoning with ease.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal: Prepare extra batches to store and reheat, giving your future self a delicious dinner option when cooking energy is running low.

What Ingredients Go into Cheesy Beef Empanadas

• Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the show, bringing rich meaty flavor to your empanadas.

• Yellow Onion (1/2 medium, diced): Adds a sweet, sharp base for your beef mixture.
• Bell Pepper (1, diced): Provides a fresh crunch and color to your filling.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a deep, pungent flavor that makes everything taste better.

• Cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers warm, earthy notes to your empanada filling.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds a classic herbal touch.
• Chili Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a mild heat.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a spicy kick for adventurous taste buds.

• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the savory flavor.
• Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Helps create a rich, moist filling.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Enhance and balance all the flavors.

• Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, grated): Melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.
• Refrigerated Pie Crust (2 boxes): Makes creating perfect empanadas super easy.

• Egg (1): Helps create a golden, shiny exterior when baking.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Tools

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and sautéing your vegetables with plenty of room to mix ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Solid surface for chopping onions, bell peppers, and rolling out your pie crusts.
• Rolling Pin: Helps stretch your pie dough evenly for creating round empanada circles.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a flat surface for baking empanadas until they turn golden and crispy.
• Pastry Brush: Great for applying beaten egg wash to give your empanadas a beautiful shine.
• Sharp Knife: Helps you cut precise dough circles and chop vegetables neatly.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for beating eggs and preparing your egg wash.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for adding the right amount of spices like cumin and chili powder.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Step-by-Step Guide

Which Tips Seal Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Get a deep, rich flavor by letting ground beef develop a nice golden crust before breaking it apart completely.
• Taste your beef mixture before filling empanadas to ensure your spices are perfectly balanced – adjust salt and heat as needed.
• Press empanada edges firmly with a fork to create a tight seal that prevents filling from leaking during baking.
• Choose a melty cheese like cheddar or monterey jack that will create delicious pockets of gooeyness inside your empanadas.
• Brush your pastry with egg wash generously to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior that looks professionally baked.

Top Variations for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Quick Chicken Switch: Swap ground beef with ground chicken and keep all other spices exactly the same for a lighter protein option that still packs tons of flavor.
• Vegetarian Bean Blend: Replace beef with black beans and diced sweet potato, using the same spice mix to create a hearty plant-based filling that will satisfy your hunger.
• Gluten-Free Pastry Option: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour tortillas instead of traditional pie crust, ensuring everyone can enjoy these cheesy hand pies without worry.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes if your family prefers milder flavors, or double them for an extra kick that will make your taste buds dance.

Serving Ideas That Suit Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Serve with Fresh Salsa: Chop some tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to create a quick salsa that adds bright, zesty flavor to your empanadas.
• Perfect Side Dish Combo: Pair these cheesy beef empanadas with a light green salad to balance the richness of the filling.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Whip up a quick sour cream and hot sauce mixture for an extra kick that complements the spices in your empanadas.
• Plate and Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that makes your dish look restaurant-worthy.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

• Refrigerate leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, layering parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep your crust crispy and filling warm throughout.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months – perfect for quick future meals.
• Microwave individual empanadas for a quick bite, but the oven method will definitely maintain better texture and crunch.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Frequently Asked Questions

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy ground beef empanadas bring pure comfort right to your plate, wrapping up spicy seasoned meat and melty cheese in a golden, flaky pastry that crumbles perfectly with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 boxes refrigerated pie crust
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 egg
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown 1 lb ground beef with ½ diced yellow onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves for 6-8 minutes until meat is completely cooked.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and ½ cup chicken broth.
3. Reduce heat and simmer your mixture for 5-7 minutes until liquid is nearly completely absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Unroll refrigerated pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to create circle shapes.
5. Spoon 2 tablespoons beef mixture and 1 tablespoon Monterey Jack cheese onto each pie crust circle’s center.
6. Fold each circle in half, creating a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal your empanadas completely.
7. Whisk 1 egg and brush the surface of each empanada for a golden finish.
8. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until edges are crisp and golden brown.

Notes

• Always drain excess fat from ground beef after browning to prevent greasy empanadas and ensure a cleaner filling texture.
• Seal empanada edges completely with a fork to prevent filling from leaking during baking, creating a tight, neat package.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough or use corn tortillas as an alternative wrapper.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or queso fresco to customize the flavor profile and add personal flair to your empanadas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Beef
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 to 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg