Description
Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food: crispy, golden pastry filled with savory, cheesy goodness. Perfect for a quick family dinner, party, or indulgent snack. This foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a flaky crust and flavorful beef-and-cheese filling.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (choose lean beef to avoid excessive grease)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds sweetness and texture)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic depth)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin (a warm, earthy spice)
- 1 ½ tsp garlic salt (for seasoning)
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama® for a bold kick)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano (adds a hint of herbal freshness)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 8 oz can tomato sauce (for a tangy base)
- 1 Tbsp diced jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
For the Dough:
- 2 boxes Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust (or homemade empanada dough)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). - Cook the Beef Filling:
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- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add cumin, garlic salt, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Simmer the Mixture:
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- Add tomato sauce and diced jalapeños (optional).
- Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough:
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- Lightly flour a work surface. Unroll pie crusts and use a 4-inch cutter to make dough rounds.
- Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut to get 8–10 circles.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
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- Brush edges of dough with water.
- Add ¼ cup filling and sprinkle with cheeses.
- Fold into a half-moon shape and seal edges with a fork.
- Add the Egg Wash:
-
- Whisk together egg and water.
- Brush the tops of the empanadas with the mixture.
- Bake to Perfection:
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- Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pro Tip: Keep dough cool during assembly. Chill for 10 minutes if it becomes sticky.
- Air Fryer Option: Bake in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 40mg