Taconada Recipe
Indulge in the perfect blend of tacos and empanadas with our tantalizing taconada recipe. Crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Try it today!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Category: Appetizer
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 200 calories
Taconada
Taconadas are a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes: tacos and empanadas. This innovative creation combines the flavors of traditional Mexican tacos with the portable convenience of empanadas, resulting in a handheld treat that's perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying as a quick snack.
The concept behind taconadas is simple yet genius: savory taco filling encased in a flaky pastry crust, creating a deliciously crispy exterior with a flavorful, well-seasoned interior. Typically filled with a mixture of seasoned ground beef or other proteins, along with onions, garlic, cheese, and fresh herbs like cilantro, taconadas offer a burst of flavor in every bite.
What makes taconadas truly versatile is their adaptability. While the classic recipe often features ground beef seasoned with traditional taco spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, you can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. From spicy chicken to vegetarian options filled with beans, cheese, and veggies, the possibilities are endless.
Whether served as an appetizer, a main course, or even packed for a picnic or lunchbox, taconadas are sure to impress with their combination of bold flavors and convenient portability. Whether you're a fan of tacos, empanadas, or both, taconadas offer a delicious twist on two beloved classics, making them a must-try for any food lover.
Recipe
Discover the ultimate fusion of flavor with our tantalizing taconada recipe! Elevate taco night with these crispy, handheld delights. Let's dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles from the dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the taco meat mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle some shredded cheese and chopped cilantro over the meat.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-circle shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges of the empanadas.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pierce the tops of the empanadas with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Enjoy your homemade taconadas! They make a delicious snack or meal, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Tags: Taconada, Taconada Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Taconadas can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As an Appetizer: Arrange the taconadas on a platter and serve them alongside bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. This allows guests to customize their taconadas with their favorite toppings.
- As a Main Course: Serve taconadas as the main dish for a casual dinner or lunch. Pair them with a side salad or Mexican-style rice and beans for a complete meal.
- On-the-Go: Taconadas make a convenient grab-and-go meal or snack. Pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a portable and satisfying option.
- Party Platter: Create a taconada bar at your next gathering by setting up a buffet-style spread with various fillings, toppings, and dipping sauces. Guests can assemble their own taconadas to their liking, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.
- Family Dinner: Serve taconadas family-style, placing a platter of freshly baked empanadas on the table along with a selection of toppings and sides. This encourages everyone to dig in and enjoy the meal together.
Tips
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. You can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling with beans and vegetables. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Properly Seal the Edges: Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Use a fork to press and crimp the edges firmly together.
- Don't Overfill: Avoid overfilling the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst open while baking. Use a spoon to portion out the filling, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Ventilation: Pierce the tops of the empanadas with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape. This helps prevent the empanadas from becoming too soggy and ensures they bake evenly.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft or sticky while you're working with it, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to handle and shape the empanadas.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially herbs like cilantro, for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese also melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Serve the taconadas with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Double the Batch: If you're feeding a crowd or want to have extra taconadas on hand for later, consider doubling the recipe. Leftover taconadas can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredient Substitutes
Here are some ingredient substitutes you can use for the taconadas recipe:
- Protein: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Pie Crust: If you prefer, you can make your own homemade pie crust instead of using refrigerated pie crusts. You can also use puff pastry or empanada dough for a slightly different texture.
- Taco Seasoning: If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Cheese: Any melty cheese works well in taconadas. If you don't have cheddar cheese, you can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Fresh Herbs: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or omit it altogether. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available, but adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more potent.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables in the filling according to your preference. Bell peppers, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or spinach are all great options.
- Dipping Sauces: Get creative with your dipping sauces! Besides salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, you can also try chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or a spicy avocado sauce.
- Spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of your taconadas. Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or adobo seasoning can add a smoky or spicy kick to the filling.
Remarks
From savory fillings to flaky crusts, taconadas offer a delightful twist on two beloved classics. Get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible fusion dish!