Mock Empanadas Emilia
Savory mock empanadas filled with seasoned ground beef and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for quick snacks or casual family dinners with a flavorful, cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Combine ground beef, onion soup mix, and ground red pepper in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat until browned.
- Drain off any excess fat.
- Add grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let filling cool slightly.
- Unroll crescent rolls and cut each into four squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each crescent square.
- Fold and seal the edges to form pockets.
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped bell peppers or olives to the beef mixture. If you're in a hurry, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for a kick. Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens vary and may require adjustments.
Serving Suggestions
These Mock Empanadas pair beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of Spanish Soup for a complete meal. For a festive touch, serve with salsa or guacamole. They also make great appetizers for gatherings. Consider serving them alongside Cajun French Cabbage Rolls for a fun themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, though they may become slightly soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Empanadas Emilia contains roughly 188 calories, with 12g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), protein (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the empanadas ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are chilled when placed in the oven.
What can I substitute for crescent rolls?
If you prefer, you can use puff pastry or homemade dough instead of crescent rolls. Just roll out the pastry and cut it into squares before filling. Puff pastry will give you a flakier texture, while homemade dough allows for more customization.
Can I freeze the empanadas?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked empanadas. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, you can cook them straight from frozen; just add a few additional minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).