Ultimate Beef Cheese Empanada Filling Spice It Up
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of sunshine? Have you ever had an empanada that just hits the spot? This recipe for beef and cheese empanada filling is exactly that! Think savory beef, melty cheese, and a touch of spice.
Oh my gosh , it's a flavor explosion.
Brief Overview
Empanadas are yummy turnovers with Latin American roots. This recipe is super easy and takes only 45 minutes. It makes enough filling for about 12 empanadas. A perfect quick bite!
Main Benefits
This beef empanada filling is packed with protein. This recipe is ideal for parties, snacks, or even a cozy night in.
Honestly, the combination of beef and cheese empanada filling ideas makes it something special.
Okay, here's the good stuff to make an amazing beef and cheese empanada filling . You'll need some ground beef, cheese, and spices.
Let's Talk Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 blend is best )
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (or more to taste!)
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth
- 1/4 cup Tomato Paste
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Chopped Green Olives
- 1/4 cup Raisins (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Cream Cheese, softened
The Equipment:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
With the easy empanada filling ingredients ready, let's get cooking! The best homemade empanada filling begins with fresh ingredients.
step-by-step Filling Guide
First, sauté your onion and garlic in olive oil. Next, brown your ground beef, and drain off the excess grease.
This is important ! Season with oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Now, simmer in broth and tomato paste until thickened.
Mix the cheese empanada filling in a separate bowl. That's it. You are ready to assemble your empanadas!
Tips and Tricks
Don't overfill the empanadas, or they'll explode. Cool the filling before assembling to prevent the dough from getting soggy. Taste and adjust the spices. You know, make it your own .
Looking for an empanada dipping sauce to pair with these? Salsa verde or guacamole works great. A cold beer? A must !
Alright, so you wanna make the best beef and cheese empanada filling ? Awesome! Let's talk ingredients and kit. It's easier than you think, honestly.
Think less Great British Bake Off and more "I fancy something tasty tonight".
Ingredients Breakdown
Let's get down to the nitty gritty. The better the ingredients, the tastier the savory empanada filling will be.
Main Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . It's gotta be decent olive oil. You know, the kind you’d happily dip bread into.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium (approx. 1 cup / 150g), finely chopped. The type that makes you cry like you're watching Love Actually on repeat.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 2 tsp / 6g), minced. Fresh is best, yeah? None of that pre-minced stuff.
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g) , 80/20 blend preferred. Look for beef that's a nice bright red.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . If you’ve got fresh oregano, even better.
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) . Makes all the difference.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) . Trust me on this, the smokiness is a game changer.
- Chili Powder: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) . Add a little more if you are in the mood for spicy homemade empanada filling .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) or to taste. A touch of fire for your easy empanada filling .
- Beef Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Proper beef broth makes everything richer.
- Tomato Paste: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . The secret weapon for flavour.
- Green Olives: 2 tbsp (30 ml) , chopped. Adds a salty tang.
- Raisins: 1/4 cup (30 ml) , optional. Yeah, I know, raisins can be controversial, but trust me, it adds a surprising sweetness.
Cheese Combination
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (100g) , shredded. Go for a mature cheddar for the best flavour.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup (100g) , shredded. This melts like a dream.
- Cream Cheese: 1/4 cup (60g) , softened. This gives the cheese empanada filling a creamy and unique flavor.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, the spices are where the magic happens. For this ground beef empanada recipe , a combo of oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika is essential.
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper, taste as you go. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some extra red pepper flakes.
You can easily substitute dried herbs with fresh. For flavor enhancers, consider a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lime juice at the end.
Equipment You'll Need
You don't need a load of fancy kit to get this done. A decent skillet, a wooden spoon, and measuring cups are all you'll need.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan. Needs to be non-stick, it makes your life easier.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula. For stirring, duh!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons. Baking is a science, remember?
If you're missing anything, a large saucepan can stand in for a skillet, and regular tablespoons work in a pinch instead of proper measuring spoons.
Now, you are prepared to make the perfect beef empanada filling .
Ultimate Beef & Cheese Empanada Filling (Spice it Up!)
Forget soggy bottoms, yeah? This recipe delivers a flavour packed, melt-in-your mouth beef and cheese empanada filling . It's perfect for a casual gathering.
Or even a cheeky mid-week treat. Think Latin American tradition with savory ground beef and melty cheese. It's a flavor party in your mouth!
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
Honestly, getting your stuff organized makes all the difference. Chop your onion, mince your garlic. Grate your cheese. Measure out your spices.
It sounds dull, but it seriously saves time and stress. It's the essential mise en place. Basically, have everything ready to go before you even turn on the hob.
step-by-step to Empanada Bliss
Right then, let's get cooking! Here's how to make an easy beef and cheese empanada filling :
- Sauté onion in 1 tbsp olive oil 'til soft. Add garlic, cook 'til fragrant.
- Brown 1 lb ground beef. Drain the excess grease! Nobody wants soggy empanadas.
- Stir in 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp chili powder, and red pepper flakes to taste. Salt and pepper too.
- Add 1/2 cup beef broth and 1/4 cup tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes , until thick.
- Stir in 2 tbsp chopped green olives and 1/4 cup raisins (optional, but trust me!). Cool slightly.
- Combine 1 cup cheddar, 1 cup Monterey Jack, and 1/4 cup softened cream cheese.
Pro Tips for Empanada Greatness
Okay, listen up! Don't overfill the empanadas. I learned that the hard way. It’s the biggest cause of empanada explosions! Also, cool that filling slightly.
It stops the cheese from melting too quickly. Moisture control is key too for the best empanada filling . Drain the beef properly.
You could even make this beef empanada filling the day before. Just store it in the fridge. When you're ready, assemble and bake or fry.
Looking for dipping sauce? You can use empanada dipping sauce like salsa verde and guacamole. I used to think all the ground beef empanada recipe were too hard but this one is great for beginners! If you want to change the recipe, you can explore some beef and cheese empanada filling ideas
Honestly, once you've nailed this savory empanada filling , you'll be making empanadas all the time. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Let's Talk Empanada Secrets!
Alright, you've got the recipe for the ultimate beef and cheese empanada filling . But before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your empanadas truly amazing .
Honestly, these little tips can make all the difference.
Show Off Your Empanadas: Plating Like a Pro!
Okay, so presentation matters, right? Forget just chucking these bad boys on a plate. Think about it! A simple sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream can elevate your savory empanada filling .
For extra pizzazz, arrange them artfully on a platter with some colorful salsa. Want a pro tip? Dust it with Smoked Paprika.
You know, a vibrant salsa verde is always a winner. And don't forget a nice, cold cerveza (Mexican beer) or a refreshing agua fresca! Delish!
Store It Right: Keep That Filling Fresh!
Leftover beef empanada filling ? No worries! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 3-4 days . Want to make a big batch ahead of time? You can totally freeze it! Let the filling cool completely, then portion it into freezer bags or containers.
It'll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Remix Your Empanada: Variations to Try!
Want to get a little creative with your beef and cheese empanada filling ? Go for it!
- Dietary Adaptations: Want a lighter version? Use lean ground beef (90/10) and reduced fat cheese. Honestly, you won't even notice the difference.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash for a sweet and savory twist. Trust me, it's delicious! The perfect homemade empanada filling is here and ready to be tweaked to your liking!
Nutrition Lowdown: Empanadas and You!
Okay, let's be real, empanadas aren't exactly health food. But they can be part of a balanced diet. A serving of this beef and cheese empanada filling has around 250-300 calories , with a good amount of protein.
Just be mindful of portion sizes and balance it out with some healthy sides, like a big salad.
So there you have it! Now go forth and make some amazing empanadas ! Seriously, don't be afraid to experiment and make this easy empanada filling your own.
You got this! The perfect ground beef empanada recipe is only a few steps away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the beef and cheese empanada filling ahead of time? Like, days in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the beef and cheese empanada filling a day or two ahead of time actually helps the flavors meld together even more. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This also saves you time on the day you plan to assemble and bake your empanadas, giving you more time to put your feet up with a cuppa!
What's the best way to prevent my beef and cheese empanadas from exploding in the oven? Nobody wants a culinary disaster!
A few things can help prevent empanada explosions, a fate worse than a soggy bottom! First, don't overfill the empanadas. Too much filling creates excess pressure. Secondly, ensure the edges are properly sealed by crimping them firmly with a fork.
Cooling the filling slightly before assembly also helps, as does chilling the assembled empanadas for a short time before baking. Moisture control is also important, so be sure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning!
Can I freeze the beef and cheese empanada filling? I'm all about batch cooking!
Freezing this beef and cheese empanada filling is a brilliant idea for batch cooking! Allow the filling to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Spread the filling into a thin layer in the bag before sealing to help it freeze and thaw quickly.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using then, Bob's your uncle, you are ready to make empanadas!
I'm watching my calories. Are there any healthy swaps I can make in this beef and cheese empanada filling recipe?
Definitely! To lighten things up, use lean ground beef (90/10 blend) to reduce the fat content. You can also opt for reduced fat cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Swapping out the cream cheese for a dollop of Greek yogurt will save calories too.
Consider adding extra vegetables like finely diced bell peppers or zucchini to bulk up the filling without adding many calories, too.
What other cheese variations would work well in this beef and cheese empanada filling recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!
Feeling adventurous, eh? Excellent! You could try using a spicy pepper jack cheese for an extra kick, or a sharp provolone for a more robust flavour. A little bit of crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy note.
And don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations maybe cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of Gouda for a smoky depth! As they say, variety is the spice of life.
My beef and cheese empanada filling is too dry! What can I do to fix it?
Oh dear, a dry filling is no fun! If your beef and cheese empanada filling is too dry, you can easily remedy it. Stir in a tablespoon or two of beef broth or even a little bit of tomato sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure it's not too wet, though, or you'll end up with soggy empanadas.
A touch of sour cream or cream cheese can also add moisture and richness.
Ultimate Beef Cheese Empanada Filling Spice It U
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 7.5g |
