Easy Baked Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of cheese, and the crunch of a perfectly baked pastry, all in one delicious package. Our Easy Baked Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe is just that – a culinary masterpiece that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Using everyday ingredients and a simple baking process, you can create these mouth-watering empanadas that are perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the savory flavor of beef and the richness of cheese, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The empanadas are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking skills and effort, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the ease of preparation, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional chef, sure to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s well combined with the beef mixture.
3. Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough. Place a tablespoon or two of the beef and cheese mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal the empanada. Use a fork to crimp the edges and create a decorative border.
4. Step 4: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each empanada. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden glaze. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Leave a small border around the filling to ensure the empanada can be sealed properly.
• If using homemade empanada dough, make sure it’s chilled before rolling it out, as this will make it easier to work with.
• For an extra crispy crust, brush the empanadas with a little bit of water and then sprinkle with grated cheese before baking.

Heat Control

To achieve the perfect bake, it’s crucial to control the heat. The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C), and the empanadas should be baked for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as the baking time may vary depending on the size of your empanadas and your oven’s performance.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these empanadas comes from the baked pastry crust. To achieve a perfectly crunchy crust, make sure the empanadas are baked until they’re golden brown, and consider brushing them with a little bit of water and sprinkling with grated cheese before baking. This will give them an extra crispy exterior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To freeze the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put the sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage. Bake frozen empanadas for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought empanada dough or pre-cooked ground beef to save time on preparation.
• Consider using different types of cheese or adding diced bell peppers to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

Storage Tips

• Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm and crispy.
• Empanadas can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw frozen empanadas overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them straight from the freezer.
• When storing empanadas, make sure they’re completely cool to prevent moisture from building up and making the pastry soggy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give these empanadas as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or basket lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap individual empanadas in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift bag or container. Add a personalized note or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of cumin or paprika to the beef mixture for a smoky flavor, or use chili powder for an extra kick of heat.
• Creative toppings: Top your empanadas with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add some diced ham or bacon for a salty, savory flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your empanadas are too soggy, try baking them for a few more minutes. If they’re too dry, brush them with a little bit of water or egg wash before baking.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have empanada dough, you can use pie crust or even pizza dough as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your empanadas while they’re baking, and check for a golden brown color and a crispy crust. If they’re undercooked, bake them for a few more minutes. If they’re overcooked, try reducing the baking time for your next batch.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, empanadas can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw frozen empanadas overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them straight from the freezer.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of empanada dough used, these empanadas may not be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free empanada dough or use a gluten-free flour blend to make your own dough.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to make more empanadas. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger batch may take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

With this Easy Baked Beef and Cheese Empanadas Recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of making these mouth-watering empanadas. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!