A Mexican Delight like No Other: The Flavor-Packed Mexican Beef Hand Pie with Homemade Queso”

The diverse and rich flavors of Mexican cuisine have captivated palates worldwide, and the Mexican Beef Hand Pie with Homemade Queso is no exception to this rule. This fusion dish marries the classic hand pie with Mexican spices and ingredients, resulting in a tantalizing blend of juicy, spicy beef filling and a smooth and creamy homemade queso. Ideal for a cozy meal or a snack that’s sure to impress, this dish promises to be an instant hit.

“Simplicity Meets Flavor: The Essential Ingredients”

The ingredients needed to whip up this delicacy are readily available and effortless to gather.

Here’s what you’ll need for the crust:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of cold water

For the tantalizing beef filling, you’ll require:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 diced onion
• 1 diced green bell pepper
• 1 diced jalapeno pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 can of black beans
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

And finally, for the smooth and creamy queso, you’ll need:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of milk
• 4 ounces of cream cheese
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin

“Bringing It All Together: A Three-Part Journey”

The process of preparing this delectable dish is divided into three segments – preparing the crust, the beef filling, and the queso.

“The Crust: The Foundation of a Masterpiece”

In a spacious bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the water, stirring until the dough forms. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, shaping each one into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill.

“The Beef Filling: The Heart and Soul of the Dish”

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper, cooking until they soften. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Cook for 10 minutes, then mix in the shredded cheddar cheese.

“The Queso: The Crowning Glory”

In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over medium heat. Gradually add the cream cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted, then mix in the chili powder and cumin.

“Assembly: The Final Touch”

1. preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Roll out each ball of dough into a thin circle on a floured surface, spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto half of each dough circle, fold the other half of the dough over the filling.

3. Crimp the edges to seal, and then place the hand pies on a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown, and serve hot with a generous drizzle of the homemade queso on top.

This dish can be customized in various ways – use different types of cheese for the queso, or switch up the ground meat for the beef filling. The pastry can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. So, go ahead and give this Mexican treat a try today, and discover a new taste sensation!