Mini Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Name: Mini Beef and Cheese Empanadas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 empanadas
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cold water; 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Mini Beef and Cheese Empanadas for gatherings and family get-togethers. Bursting with flavor, these delightful pastries are packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and spices that create a savory treat everyone can enjoy. I enjoy preparing the dough from scratch, but there’s also an option to use store-bought for convenience. Either way, the result is irresistibly crispy and delicious. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’re in for a real treat!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-30T17:14:27.525Z

When I first tried making empanadas at home, I was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was to achieve such a crunchy and delicious pastry. The key is to ensure your dough is rolled thin enough to create that perfect crispy bite. I also love how I can customize the filling to my preference; adding herbs like cilantro or spices like cumin brings a unique twist to the classic flavors.

What I find really rewarding is the versatility of these empanadas. I often experiment with different cheeses and even mix in some veggies for more texture. Sourcing high-quality meat and cheese not only enhances the taste but also makes the meal more enjoyable, so I always recommend spending a little more on those ingredients!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory beef filling with a cheesy surprise
Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful center
Perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a light meal

Mastering the Dough

Making the dough from scratch is what sets these empanadas apart. The key is using cold butter, as it helps create a flaky texture once baked. When rubbing the butter into the flour, aim for a mixture that looks like coarse sand, with small pea-sized clumps remaining. This ensures a tender crust. If you're pressed for time, store-bought pastry dough works as an excellent shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Resting the dough in the refrigerator is essential after mixing. This allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the dough from shrinking during baking. Ideally, you should refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, but if you can spare an hour, even better! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Flavor-Packed Filling Tips

The filling is the heart of these empanadas, where you can let your creativity shine. Using a combination of ground beef with spices like cumin and paprika gives it that authentic taste. I particularly enjoy adding a pinch of chili powder for a little kick. Don't skimp on the cheese, as it creates a delightful gooeyness that complements the beef perfectly.

When preparing the filling, ensure the ground beef is well-browned to develop deep flavors. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes over medium heat. Always allow the filling to cool slightly before adding the cheese to prevent it from melting too much and losing texture when filled.

Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup cold water

For the Filling

1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking until the meat is browned. Remove from heat and let cool before mixing in shredded cheese.

Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles using a small plate or a round cutter. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

Bake

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding chopped olives or chopped bell peppers to your filling. If you want to freeze the uncooked empanadas for later, do so before baking. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

These empanadas are perfect for making ahead of time. Once assembled, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To bake from frozen, simply add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, keeping a close eye on them for golden edges.

For storage, keep any baked empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they're warmed through and crispy again.

Serving Suggestions

These Mini Beef and Cheese Empanadas are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with a tangy dipping sauce like salsa or a creamy ranch dressing. For a heartier meal, pair them with a fresh side salad or a zesty coleslaw to balance the richness of the filling.

Don't forget to get creative with the dipping sauces! A chipotle aioli or a homemade guacamole can elevate the experience. You can even set up a dipping station with various sauces for guests to choose from, making your gatherings even more interactive.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent alternatives.

→ Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough?

Yes, refrigerating the dough helps to make it easier to roll out and shape.

→ Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier choice and still gives great results as you’ll see from the recipe.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.