Gorditas de Carne de Res

These Mexican Gorditas de Carne de Res are delicious thick corn masa pockets filled with melty cheese and juicy seasoned beef. The gorditas are gently fried until golden and crispy on the outside, then opened and stuffed with tender beef and fresh toppings.

Finished with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onion, queso fresco, fresh green salsa, and a drizzle of Mexican crema, these homemade gorditas are packed with flavor and texture in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with a crispy, golden corn masa shell.
• Filled with melted cheese and tender seasoned beef.
• Fresh green salsa adds brightness and a delicious kick.
• Loaded with fresh and creamy toppings.
• A satisfying Mexican-inspired meal that can be customized easily.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: Not specified
• Cook Time: Not specified
• Total Time: Not specified
• Servings: Not specified
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• Beef chuck (Diezmillo), finely diced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• Cooking oil or lard

For the Gorditas

• Corn masa flour, such as Maseca
• Warm water, as needed
• A pinch of salt
• Shredded melting cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese
• A splash of heavy cream (media crema)
• Oil for shallow frying

For the Fresh Green Salsa

• Tomatillos (green tomatoes)
• Jalapeño or Serrano peppers
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste

For the Toppings

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Finely chopped red or white onion
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Mexican crema or sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little cooking oil or lard. Add the finely diced beef chuck and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Cook the beef until it is fully browned, juicy, and tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.

2. Make the Fresh Green Salsa

Boil or roast the tomatillos, peppers, and garlic until softened and lightly cooked.

Transfer them to a blender and add fresh cilantro and salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling

Place the shredded melting cheese in a small bowl. Add a splash of heavy cream and mix until well combined.

4. Prepare the Corn Masa Dough

Mix the corn masa flour with warm water and a pinch of salt. Knead until a smooth, soft dough forms.

5. Form the Gorditas

Take a golf-ball-sized portion of the masa dough and flatten it slightly. Make a well in the center and add a spoonful of the cheese and cream mixture.

Carefully seal the dough around the filling, forming it back into a ball. Gently pat it flat to create a thick, round gordita.

6. Fry the Gorditas

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed gorditas in the pan and fry them on both sides until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese inside is melted.

7. Open and Fill the Gorditas

Carefully slice open the top edge of each warm gordita to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

Fill each gordita generously with the cooked beef. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, crumbled queso fresco, and fresh green salsa.

8. Add the Finishing Touches

Drizzle Mexican crema or sour cream over the toppings. Serve the gorditas warm while the fried shell and melted cheese are still deliciously warm.

Recipe Tips

• Use enough warm water to create a smooth masa dough without making it overly wet or sticky.
• Seal the cheese filling completely inside the masa before frying.
• Keep the gorditas thick enough to create a pocket for the beef and toppings.
• Cook the gorditas over medium heat so the outside becomes golden without browning too quickly.
• Open the gorditas carefully while they are warm, as the melted cheese inside can be very hot.
• Adjust the amount of green salsa according to your preferred level of heat.

Variations

• Cheese Variation: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese for the filling.
• Spicy Salsa: Use Serrano peppers for a hotter green salsa.
• Milder Salsa: Use jalapeños and adjust the amount according to your taste.
• Cream Variation: Use sour cream instead of Mexican crema for the finishing drizzle.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the gorditas warm with plenty of fresh green salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, queso fresco, and Mexican crema. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with additional salsa and fresh lime on the side.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftover cooked beef, gorditas, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the toppings separate helps preserve their texture.

Reheating

Reheat the gorditas in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven until warmed through. Add the beef and fresh toppings after reheating for the best texture.

Nutrition

Nutrition information will vary depending on the amount of beef, cheese, oil, masa, and toppings used. Exact nutritional values are not specified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gorditas de Carne de Res?

Gorditas de Carne de Res are thick Mexican corn masa cakes that are cooked until golden, opened to create a pocket, and filled with seasoned beef and various toppings.

What type of beef is best for the filling?

Beef chuck, also known as Diezmillo, is used in this recipe. It is finely diced and seasoned before being cooked until browned, juicy, and tender.

Can I use mozzarella instead of Oaxaca cheese?

Yes. Mozzarella is one of the suggested melting cheeses for the cheese filling. Monterey Jack is another suitable option.

Can I make the green salsa less spicy?

Yes. Use jalapeños instead of Serrano peppers and adjust the amount of peppers to your taste.

Can I prepare the beef in advance?

Yes. The cooked beef can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Reheat it before filling the warm gorditas.

Final Thoughts

These Gorditas de Carne de Res are a delicious combination of crispy corn masa, melted cheese, juicy seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, tangy green salsa, and creamy Mexican crema. They are comforting, flavorful, and perfect for serving warm with your favorite toppings.