Beef Huaraches
Crispy oval-shaped masa cakes topped with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh garnishes. A classic Mexican street food that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 22g
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1.5 cups warm water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium white onion, finely diced
- 1 whole jalapeño, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 whole garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup refried beans, warmed
- ½ cup queso fresco, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomato
- ¼ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and jalapeño, cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 2
Add ground beef and minced garlic, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Cook 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- 3
Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 4
In a bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Add warm water gradually, mixing with your hands until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- 5
If too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time. If too wet, add masa harina. Dough should not stick to hands.
- 6
Let dough rest 5 minutes covered with a damp cloth.
- 7
Heat oil to 350°F in a large heavy skillet. Working with about 3 tablespoons dough at a time, flatten between plastic wrap into a thin oval shape, about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide.
- 8
Carefully slide huarache into hot oil. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining dough.
- 9
While still warm, gently press the center of each huarache to create a shallow well.
- 10
Spread 2 tablespoons warm refried beans on each huarache.
- 11
Top with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, queso fresco, and a drizzle of crema.
- 12
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Tools you’ll need
- Large skillet (12-inch)
- Wooden spoon
- Medium mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Deep frying thermometer
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet (3-quart minimum)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.
