Golden, crispy, and packed with rich, savory filling—Beef and Cheese Empanadas bring bold flavors wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust. Every bite delivers seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and warm spices, creating a hand-held treat that’s hard to resist.

Empanadas have been a favorite across Latin America for generations. They’re easy to customize, simple to make, and perfect for both appetizers and full meals. Whether baked or fried, the result is always satisfying.

The best part? You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and cook them whenever a craving hits. Serve them as a snack, a party dish, or a hearty dinner alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

Table of contents

What You Need to Make Flavorful Empanadas

A good empanada starts with the right ingredients. The dough should be tender and crisp, while the filling should be rich and packed with flavor.

Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef for a filling that’s flavorful but not greasy. Browned with onions, garlic, and spices, it creates the base of the filling.
Cheese – A melty cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar adds a creamy contrast to the beef. It binds the filling together while adding richness.
Empanada Dough – Store-bought empanada discs work well, but homemade dough gives you better control over texture and taste.
Seasonings & Spices – Cumin, paprika, and chili powder add warmth and depth. A little salt and pepper bring everything together.

How to Make Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Making empanadas at home is easier than you might think. With a few key steps, you’ll have a batch ready to enjoy in no time.

Prepare the Filling – Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, and seasonings, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the cheese just before assembling to keep it melted but not overly greasy.
Roll and Fill the Dough – If using store-bought dough, roll it out slightly to thin it. Place a spoonful of the beef and cheese mixture in the center of each disc. Be careful not to overfill—too much filling makes them harder to seal.
Seal the Empanadas – Fold the dough over and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and secure the seal, or pinch and twist for a traditional rope-like finish.
Bake or Fry – For crispy baked empanadas, brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. For extra crunch, fry them in hot oil until crispy and golden.
Serve and Enjoy – Let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with salsa, chimichurri, or a creamy dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Ways to Customize Your Empanadas

Empanadas are versatile, making them easy to tweak based on what you have on hand. Here are a few variations to try:

Spicy Beef Empanadas – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Chicken and Cheese Empanadas – Swap the beef for shredded chicken cooked with onions and spices.
Vegetarian Empanadas – Skip the meat and fill them with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or spinach and cheese.
Breakfast Empanadas – Add scrambled eggs and bacon to the filling for a morning-friendly version.

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Why This Recipe Always Works

Perfectly Balanced Filling – The beef is seasoned well without overpowering the cheese, creating a rich yet smooth flavor.
Crispy, Flaky Crust – Whether baked or fried, the dough comes out golden and crisp every time.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and freeze them. Just cook from frozen whenever you need a quick meal.

What to Serve with Beef and Cheese Empanadas

While delicious on their own, empanadas shine even more with the right sides and sauces.

Chimichurri Sauce – A garlicky herb sauce that adds brightness and freshness.
Salsa Roja – A mildly spicy tomato-based salsa pairs well with the warm, crispy empanadas.
Mexican Rice – A hearty side that turns empanadas into a full meal.
Black Beans – Soft, seasoned beans add texture and complement the rich filling.

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Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Beef and Cheese Empanadas are crispy, golden pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these empanadas can be baked or fried for a deliciously satisfying bite.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Latin American

Servings serving

Equipment

Skillet For cooking the beef filling
Baking Sheet If baking the empanadas
Deep Fryer or Pan For frying the empanadas

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef lean
1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
12 pieces empanada dough discs store-bought or homemade

Instructions

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add onions, garlic, and seasonings. Stir until fragrant.
Stir in cheese, then remove from heat.
Place filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold over and seal the edges.
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or fry until golden brown.

Notes

For extra crispiness, brush empanadas with egg wash before baking.
Leftovers can be frozen and reheated later.

Keyword beef and cheese empanadas, empanadas, savory pastry

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!