Beef + Potatoes + Cheese = YUM!

Golden, cheesy, and perfectly crisp, these Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the kind of recipe that stops conversations mid-bite. Tender pastry pockets are filled with a hearty beef and potato mixture, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and fried until golden perfection. Each empanada gives you that beautiful contrast, crunchy on the outside, rich and gooey on the inside. And when dipped into the smoky, creamy chipotle mayo, it’s pure magic. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy dinner, or just because, these empanadas promise to hit every craving at once.

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crispy texture: Each empanada fries up golden and crunchy, with a flaky shell that holds the filling beautifully.
• Savory and cheesy filling: The blend of beef, potatoes, and two kinds of cheese creates an irresistible balance of hearty and melty goodness.
• Smoky chipotle mayo: Adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the empanadas perfectly.
• Great for any occasion: They’re portable, crowd-pleasing, and make an impressive appetizer or main dish.
• Make-ahead friendly: The filling can be prepped in advance, so all that’s left is to assemble and fry.

Ingredients

Empanadas

• Empanada wrappers
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Mild cheddar cheese, shredded
• Canola oil, for frying
• Olive oil, for cooking

Beef and Potato Filling

• Ground beef
• Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Water
• Onions, chopped
• Flour
• Garlic, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika

Creamy Chipotle Mayo

• Mayo
• Sour cream
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Sugar

Instructions

Chipotle Mayo

• Blend together all ingredients listed under “Creamy Chipotle Mayo” until smooth.
• Set aside until ready to serve.

Beef and Potato Filling

• In a pan over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the ground beef.
• Once browned, add the onions, minced garlic, and diced potatoes. Cook until onions are translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
• Stir in the flour until it’s fully absorbed by the mixture.
• Add just enough water to cover the ingredients and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Allow the sauce to thicken and the potatoes to become tender.
• When most of the water has evaporated and the filling has a thick consistency, remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Assemble the Empanadas

• Place an empanada wrapper on a clean, flat surface.
• Add a small handful of mozzarella and cheddar cheese to one half of the wrapper, leaving a half-inch border.
• Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cooled beef and potato filling on top of the cheese.
• Add another light sprinkle of both cheeses over the filling.
• Fold the wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape.
• Press the edges together, then crimp with a fork to seal.
• Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. This should make about 10 to 12 empanadas.

Fry the Empanadas

• Heat canola oil in a large pot to 350°F.
• Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
• Remove and let them rest on a cooling rack to drain excess oil.

Serve

• Serve warm with the creamy chipotle mayo for dipping.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes or in the oven until warm and crispy.
• Freeze uncooked empanadas for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding about 1 extra minute to the cook time.

These Beef and Cheese Empanadas are crispy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. Once you try them, they’ll become your new go-to snack or appetizer for any occasion.

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Beef and Cheese Empanadas

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy, these Beef and Cheese Empanadas are the ultimate comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Each bite wraps you in layers of flaky pastry, melted mozzarella and cheddar, and a rich beef and potato filling that’s spiced to perfection. The creamy chipotle mayo on the side adds a smoky, tangy kick that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a satisfying weeknight treat, these empanadas deliver that crave-worthy crunch and gooey, savory goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Servings 10 empanadas

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

• 10-12 Empanada wrappers
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese shredded
• Canola oil for frying
• Olive oil for cooking

Beef & Potato Filling

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup russet potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup onions chopped
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika

Creamy Chipotle Mayo

• 1 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp sugar

Instructions

Chipotle Mayo

• Blend together all ingredients listed under “Creamy Chipotle Mayo” until smooth and set aside.

Beef & Potato Filling

• To a pan over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté the ground beef.
• Once browned, add onions, mined garlic and the diced potatoes. Continue to cook until the onions become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder and paprika.
• Stir in flour and mix to combine until the flour is absorbed.
• Then, add just enough water to cover and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• As it cooks, the flour will help create a thick gravy that will hold everything together.
• Once most of the water has evaporated and the potatoes are cooked through, removed from heat and set aside to cool.

Assemble

• Place a 6-inch empanada wrapper on a clean, flat surface or cutting board.
• Add a layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese to one half of the wrapper, leaving about a half-inch border around the edge to allow for sealing.
• Spoon a generous spoonful of the cooled beef and potato filling over the cheese layer. Be careful not to overfill. About 2 tablespoons of filling is ideal to prevent leakage.
• Top with more mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This double layer of cheese adds flavor and helps bind the filling as well.
• Carefully fold the empanada wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp the edges using the tips of a fork to ensure the empanada is tightly closed.
• Continue assembling the remaining empanadas using the same method. This should make 10-12 empanadas.
• Heat a large pot of canola oil to 350F.
• Working in batches fry the empanadas until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
• Once cooked, rest on a cooling rack until you’re ready to eat.
• Serve with the creamy chipotle mayo and enjoy!

Jumbo Crab Empanadas with Remoulade Sauce

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crisp empanada. The crunch gives way to a warm, creamy filling that’s both comforting and exciting. These Jumbo Crab Empanadas take that experience to the next level. Packed with sweet lump crab, creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of Old Bay, they’re indulgent little pockets of flavor. Paired with a tangy, slightly spicy remoulade sauce, every bite is a blend of rich seafood goodness and zesty freshness. Whether you’re making them for a party, a weekend snack, or just to treat yourself, these empanadas will disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Golden and Crispy – Each empanada fries up perfectly crunchy while staying light and flaky.
• Luxe Crab Filling – Sweet lump crab mixed with cream cheese, mozzarella, and fresh herbs creates a rich, flavorful bite.
• Zesty Remoulade – The creamy dipping sauce brings tang, spice, and freshness that balances the richness of the filling.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – From party platters to cozy dinners, these empanadas fit right in.

Jumbo Crab Filling

• Cream cheese, softened
• Lump crab meat
• Claw crab meat
• Mozzarella, shredded
• Shallot, minced
• Red bell pepper, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Green onion, minced
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic, paste or minced
• Old Bay seasoning
• Black pepper

Remoulade Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh chives, chopped
• Dijon mustard
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce
• Onion powder
• Lemon juice
• Old Bay
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions (WATCH HERE)

Remoulade Sauce

1. Mix all ingredients for the remoulade sauce in a bowl until smooth.
2. Chill until ready to serve.

Jumbo Crab Filling

1. In a bowl, combine all filling ingredients except the lump crab meat.
2. Gently fold in lump crab meat last, keeping the chunks intact.

Assemble

1. Place a 6-inch empanada wrapper on a clean surface.
2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling into the center.
3. Fold into a half-moon, press edges to seal, then crimp with a fork.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers.

Fry

1. Heat canola oil to 350°F.
2. Fry empanadas in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
3. Rest on a cooling rack before serving.

Serve

• Pair with the chilled remoulade sauce and enjoy warm.

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.
• Freeze assembled (unfried) empanadas for up to 2 months. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

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Jumbo Crab Empanadas

Golden, flaky empanadas stuffed with a rich and creamy crab filling make for the ultimate indulgence. Sweet lump crab, velvety cream cheese, and a touch of Old Bay are folded together with fresh herbs and peppers for a balance of flavor and texture in every bite. Fried until crisp and paired with a zesty remoulade sauce, these jumbo crab empanadas are irresistible whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, party bite, or a savory treat just for yourself.

Course Appetizer, brunch

Cuisine American, latin

Keyword appetizers, crab, empanadas, seafood

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8 empanadas

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

• 8-10 6- inch Empanada wrappers
• Canola oil for frying

Jumbo Crab Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 4 oz claw crab meat
• 1 1/4 cups mozzarella shredded
• 1/4 cup shallot minced
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley freshly chopped
• 1 tbsp green onion minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic paste or minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tsp black pepper

Remoulade Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 tsp parsley freshly chopped
• 1 tsp chives freshly chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp Old Bay
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

Remoulade Sauce

• Mix together all ingredients listed under “Remoulade Sauce” and set aside.

Jumbo Crab Filling

• In a bowl, add all the ingredients listed under “Jumbo Lump Crab Filling” EXCEPT the lump crab meat, and mix thoroughly.
• Once combined, gently fold in the lump crab meat and set aside.

Assemble

• Place a 6-inch empanada wrapper on a clean, flat surface or cutting board.
• Add a generous spoonful of the jumbo crab filling at the center, leaving about a half-inch border around the edge to allow for sealing.
• Be careful not to overfill. About 2 tablespoons of filling is ideal to prevent leakage.
• Carefully fold the empanada wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp the edges using the tips of a fork to ensure the empanada is tightly closed.
• Continue assembling the remaining empanadas using the same method.
• Heat a large pot of canola oil to 350F.
• Working in batches fry the empanadas until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
• Once cooked, rest on a cooling rack until you’re ready to eat.
• Serve with the creamy remoulade sauce and enjoy!

Braised Short Rib Empanadas with Creamy Poblano Dipping Sauce

There’s something about an empanada that feels like pure comfort. The way the golden crust shatters with the first bite, giving way to melty cheese and a filling so rich it feels like it took all day to get there; because, well, it did. These braised short rib empanadas aren’t just a snack, they’re a full experience. Slow cooked beef, kissed with red wine and smoky poblano BBQ sauce, folded into flaky pastry with mozzarella and fried until perfectly crisp. And just when you think it can’t get better, you dunk it into a cool and creamy poblano sauce that ties everything together.

This recipe is indulgent, yes, but it’s also a little show stopping. Serve these at a gathering and watch them disappear faster than you can fry them. Or keep them all to yourself and savor one warm bite at a time.

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Slow braised flavor – The short rib is cooked low and slow with red wine, beef broth, and roasted poblano BBQ sauce until it’s fork tender and bursting with flavor.
• Cheesy layers – Mozzarella melts into the filling and binds it together while giving every bite that gooey pull we all love.
• Crisp and golden – Frying the empanadas gives you that perfect crunch with a soft, savory filling inside.
• The sauce steals the show – The creamy poblano dip adds a cool, smoky balance that makes these empanadas irresistible.
• Party perfect – These work as appetizers, snacks, or the main event. They’ll stand out on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Short Rib Filling

• Short rib, boneless
• Beef broth
• Dry red wine
• Tenayo Roasted Poblano Mexican Style BBQ Sauce
• Onion, chopped
• Celery, chopped
• Bell peppers, chopped
• Tomato paste
• Oregano, dried
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Pepper

Empanadas

• Empanada wrappers
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Canola oil, for frying

Creamy Poblano Dipping Sauce

• Mexican crema
• Tenayo Roasted Poblano Mexican Style BBQ Sauce

How to Make Braised Short Rib Empanadas

Make the Creamy Poblano Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together Mexican crema and roasted poblano BBQ sauce. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Make the Short Rib Filling

1. Season short rib chunks with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides in a hot pan with oil until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onion, celery, and bell peppers until softened. Add tomato paste and cook a few minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Deglaze with red wine and let it reduce slightly. Add the beef back to the pot along with beef broth, roasted poblano BBQ sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
4. Cover and simmer until the short rib is fork tender, about 1 to 2 hours.
5. Shred the beef into small chunks, mixing it with some of the braising liquid for moisture and flavor. Let cool slightly before assembling.

Assemble and Fry

1. Place an empanada wrapper on a clean surface. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by a spoonful of short rib filling, then another sprinkle of cheese.
2. Fold the wrapper in half, sealing the edges tightly. Crimp with a fork for a secure seal.
3. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Serve hot with the creamy poblano dipping sauce on the side.

Storage and Reheating

• To store: Keep cooled empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: Freeze un-fried assembled empanadas on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry straight from frozen.
• To reheat: Warm leftovers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until crisp and heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crunch.

Final Thoughts

These braised short rib empanadas are the kind of recipe that makes you slow down and savor each bite. From the tender beef to the molten cheese and crisp shell, they’re pure comfort wrapped in pastry. The creamy poblano sauce takes it all to another level, giving you smoky, tangy, and cooling contrast in every dip. Make them for a celebration, a game day spread, or a cozy night in—you won’t regret it.

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Braised Short Rib Empanadas

Golden, flaky empanadas filled with tender, slow braised short rib, melty mozzarella, and a smoky kick of roasted poblano BBQ sauce. These are the kind of bites that stop conversations mid sentence. Each crisp pocket delivers layers of richness, from the savory beef and wine infused braise to the creamy poblano dipping sauce that cools and complements every bite. Perfect for a party spread, game day snacking, or when you just want comfort food with a bold twist, these empanadas take indulgence to the next level.

Course Appetizer, lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Keyword empanadas, short ribs

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Servings 12 empanadas

Author kingcooks

Ingredients

• 9-12 Empanada wrappers
• 2-3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• Canola oil for frying

Short Rib Filling

• 2-2 1/2 lbs short rib boneless
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 cup Tenayo Roasted Poblano Mexican Style BBQ Sauce
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup celery chopped
• 1/2 cup bell peppers chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tbsp oregano dried
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Creamy Poblano Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mexican crema
• 1/4 cup Tenayo roasted poblano Mexican style sauce

Instructions

Creamy Poblano Dipping Sauce

• In a small bowl add all ingredients listed under “Creamy Poblano Dipping Sauce.” Mix thoroughly and set in the fridge until ready to serve.

Short Rib Filling

• Season the chunks of boneless short rib with salt and pepper.
• Working in batches, sear the meat on both sides in a pan over medium heat with some oil.
• Allow to sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, set aside.
• In the same pan, sauté onions, celery and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.
• Add tomato paste and stir to combine. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes.
• Deglaze the pan with red wine. Allow the alcohol to cook off for 2-3 minutes.
• Return the seared short rib to the pot with a generous amount of Tenayo’s Roasted Poblano Mexican Style BBQ Sauce and beef stock.
• Season with oregano, salt, pepper, and add a few whole bay leaves.
• Stir, cover, and cook over medium-low heat until the short rib is super tender. This should take 1-2 hours.
• Once the short rib is tender, remove from the sauce and break it apart into small chunks. Mix the shredded short rib with about a cup of the sauce and set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble

• Place a 6-inch empanada wrapper on a clean, flat surface or cutting board.
• Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of the wrapper, leaving about a half-inch border around the edge to allow for sealing.
• Spoon a generous spoonful of the cooled, shredded short rib over the cheese layer. Be careful not to overfill. About 2 tablespoons of filling is ideal to prevent leakage.
• Top with more mozzarella cheese. This double layer of cheese adds flavor and helps bind the filling together.
• Carefully fold the empanada wrapper in half to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp the edges using the tips of a fork to ensure the empanada is tightly closed.
• Continue assembling the remaining empanadas using the same method.
• Heat a large pot of canola oil to 350F.
• Working in batches fry the empanadas until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
• Once cooked, rest on a cooling rack until you’re ready to eat.
• Serve with the creamy poblano dipping sauce and enjoy!