Philly Cheese Steak Empanadas Recipe
(A fun and delicious twist on the classic Philly cheese steak, wrapped in a golden, flaky empanada crust
Serves: 4 (Makes ~12 empanadas) | Prep Time: ⏱️ 20 min | Cook Time: 25 min
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 1 lb ribeye steak or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the empanada dough (or use store-bought):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup ice water (plus more as needed)
For assembly:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and cook for 3–4 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened (5–7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Return the steak to the skillet, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Let cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheese.
2. Make the empanada dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. (Skip this step if using store-bought dough.)
3. Assemble the empanadas:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into circles using a 4–5 inch cutter or a bowl.
Place a spoonful of the steak and cheese mixture in the center of each circle.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
4. Bake or fry the empanadas:
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Fry: Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
5. Serve and enjoy:
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, cheese sauce, or ketchup. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese inside for an even gooier filling.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling.
Storage: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
These Philly Cheese Steak Empanadas are the perfect handheld snack or meal—savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor