By This Beef and Cheese Empanadas balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Beef and Cheese Empanadas captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Beef and Cheese Empanadas becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, seeds and stem removed, diced
1 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
teaspoon red pepper flakes
teaspoon chili powder
8 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
6 ounces 5 empanada dough such as Goya
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
PREPARATION STEPS
Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat, add ground beef, onion, jalapenos, and seasonings
Cook until the meat is no longer pink
Add garlic and cook for another minute
Drain grease and return to the pan.
Add tomato sauce, stir, and cook for 15 minutes.
Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk egg and water together. Set aside.
Assembling the Empanadas:
Wet the edges of the empanada dough lightly with water.
Place a small amount of cheese in the center of the empanada dough, followed by a heaping tablespoon of meat mixture, and more cheese.
Fold the dough in half, pinching the edge, and crimp the edges with the tines of a fork.
Baking:
Place on a baking sheet and brush empanadas with egg wash.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 385 per serving
Preheat the oven to 425F.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
