Description
Ground Beef Gorditas are the ultimate comfort food, combining the delightful flavors of spiced beef and melty cheese, all encased in a fluffy, golden shell.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1½ cups warm water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small tomato, diced
- Salsa (optional for serving)
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Start by creating the masa harina dough that forms the base of your gorditas. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of masa harina with ½ tsp of salt. Gradually pour in 1½ cups of warm water and add 1 tbsp of oil. Use your hands to knead the mixture until it’s soft and pliable. The dough should not be sticky and should easily form into a ball. Once you have your dough prepared, divide it into 6 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten them gently into thick discs, ensuring they are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Next, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. As the skillet heats up, carefully place each gordita onto the skillet. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they become puffed and golden brown. The goal is to achieve a nice light brown color while keeping the inside tender. Once cooked, transfer the gorditas to a plate and keep them warm by covering them with a clean kitchen towel.
- In the same or a different skillet, add 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in your 1 lb of ground beef. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned all over, making sure to drain any excess fat if necessary, for a healthier filling. With the beef browned, it’s time to season! Add 1 tsp each of chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika, followed by ½ tsp of garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat the beef, and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Now comes the fun part! Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each gordita partway open to create a pocket. Be gentle so as not to tear through completely; this is where your delicious filling will go. Start by adding a generous scoop of the seasoned ground beef into each gordita pocket, followed by a handful of shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes. You can be as generous as you like with the toppings; this is your creation!
- Your Ground Beef Gorditas are now ready to be served! Enjoy them while they’re warm, with optional salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping. The delightful warmth of the gorditas combined with the savory filling is sure to become your family’s new favorite meal!
Notes
If your masa dough feels too dry, add tiny amounts of water until the desired texture is achieved.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and condiments
- Protein: 24 g