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Cheesy Beef Empanadas

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These Cheesy Beef Empanadas feature seasoned ground beef and gooey Colby jack cheese wrapped in golden, crispy pastry. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or hearty meal, they’re freezer-friendly and bursting with bold flavor.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12–15 empanadas (serves 6–8)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small white onion, diced

1 jalapeño, deseeded and diced (optional)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon ground dried oregano

12–15 6-inch round empanada wrappers

8 oz Colby jack cheese, freshly grated

1 egg

2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add jalapeño and cook for another 3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  5. Spoon beef mixture into the center of each empanada wrapper. Top with about 1 tbsp grated cheese.
  6. Fold the wrappers in half, pinch edges, and seal with a fork or crimp for a classic look.
  7. Place on prepared baking sheets. Beat egg with water and brush the tops of empanadas with egg wash.
  8. Bake for 25–27 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cool filling completely before assembling to prevent soggy crusts.
  • Switch to ground turkey, chicken, or add beans for variations.
  • Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Unbaked empanadas freeze well; bake directly from frozen with extra time.
  • Serve with sour cream, salsa, or chipotle mayo for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/cheesy-beef-empanadas/