Description
Rustic Beef Empanadas with Cheese Dip are golden, flaky hand pies filled with seasoned ground beef and served with a creamy cheddar cheese dip. These comforting bites are perfect for parties, game days, or satisfying snacks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg (for dough)
- 1/4 cup cold water (as needed)
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
For the Cheese Dip:
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg and a few tablespoons of cold water. Mix and knead until dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onions and garlic and cook until soft. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant. Cool slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough and cut into 4–6 inch circles.
- Spoon cooled beef filling onto each circle, add cheese if using, and fold over. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan, stir in cornstarch to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, then add cheese and chili powder. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Serve empanadas warm with the cheese dip on the side.
Notes
- Cool the beef filling before assembling to avoid soggy dough.
- Make the dough ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Use store-bought pie dough or puff pastry to save time.
- Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada with dip
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg