Homemade beef and cheese empanadas are a true comfort food that evokes cozy family memories and tempting aromas wafting from the oven. These delightful pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, celebrating a holiday, or simply whipping up a fun weeknight treat for the family. With a flavorful filling of spiced ground beef, melted cheese, and a flaky crust, they make a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire that is sure to impress.

Why you’ll love this dish

Making homemade beef and cheese empanadas is an experience that delivers not just on flavor but also on convenience and satisfaction. These empanadas are wonderful because they blend deliciously savory filling with a crispy crust, making it a dish everyone in the family will adore. They’re also incredibly versatile — serving them at a family brunch or as an appetizer at a party makes these little treats incredibly appealing. Plus, the option to freeze extras means you can prep a double batch and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.

"These beef and cheese empanadas were a hit at our dinner party! So flaky and juicy; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them!" — Satisfied Reviewer

Step-by-step overview

Making empanadas may sound daunting, but it’s quite straightforward once you know what to expect. You’ll start by preparing the flavorful beef mixture on the stove, allowing the spices to create a mouthwatering aroma. Then, you’ll assemble the empanadas by filling rounds of pie crust with the mixture and cheese before sealing and baking until golden brown. It’s a cooking experience that results in rewarding bites of goodness!

What you’ll need

Gather everything you’ll need for this delicious recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning (or your favorite Cajun seasoning)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp diced jalapeños (optional, for spice)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 2 boxes Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust
• 1 egg (for egg wash)