Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas

Are you craving a savory, satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our irresistible Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas! These golden, flaky pockets of goodness are filled with seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunch, or simply looking for a delicious meal on the go, these empanadas are sure to satisfy your cravings. Join us as we delve into the art of empanada making and discover the secrets to creating these mouthwatering treats that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients:

Meat:

• 1 lb Ground beef

Produce:

• 1 Bell pepper
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1/2 Yellow onion, medium

Refrigerated:

• 1 Egg

Canned Goods:

• 2 tbsp Tomato paste

Baking & Spices:

• 1/2 tsp Chili powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp Red pepper flake
• 1 tsp Cumin

Bread & Baked Goods:

• 2 boxes Pie crust, refrigerated

Dairy:

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated

Liquids:

• 1/2 cup Chicken broth or water

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Filling:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced bell pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, diced onion, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.
3. Stir the ingredients together and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

2. Preparing the Empanadas:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and use a round cutter (such as a bowl or glass) to cut out circles from the dough.
3. Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle grated Monterey Jack cheese over the beef filling, then fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas to seal them shut.

3. Baking the Empanadas:

1. Place the assembled empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
2. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
3. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

4. Serving:

1. Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve the Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas warm, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version of these empanadas.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and chili powder to control the spiciness of the filling according to your taste preferences.
• Add-In Ideas: Get creative with additional fillings such as diced tomatoes, corn kernels, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Version: To make keto-friendly Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas, use almond flour or coconut flour-based pie crusts instead of traditional pie crusts. Replace the onion and bell pepper with low-carb vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach. Substitute the tomato paste with a sugar-free tomato sauce or salsa. Use a keto-friendly shredded cheese blend instead of Monterey Jack cheese.
• Low-Carb Version: Follow the same instructions as the keto version, but you can also reduce the amount of pie crust used or use a thinner layer of dough for each empanada to lower the overall carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make the empanadas ahead of time and freeze them? A: Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for longer storage. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen empanadas on a baking sheet and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

Q: Can I use store-bought empanada dough instead of pie crust? A: Yes, you can use store-bought empanada dough if you prefer. Follow the package instructions for rolling out and filling the dough, then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Q: What dipping sauces pair well with these empanadas? A: These empanadas pair well with a variety of dipping sauces such as salsa verde, chipotle aioli, or avocado crema. You can also serve them with a classic tomato salsa or sour cream for dipping.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas are the ultimate handheld comfort food, combining savory seasoned beef, melted cheese, and flaky pie crust into a delicious portable package. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these empanadas are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. With their customizable filling and easy preparation, they’re a versatile addition to any mealtime lineup. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade empanadas!

Savor the flavor of Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas with each crispy, cheesy bite. From their golden crust to their flavorful filling, these empanadas are a culinary delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!