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Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie Recipe
The smell of a hot, homemade pie in the kitchen takes me back to my grandmother’s farmhouse. Her Tex-Mex pie was famous for its tender beef, spicy jalapenos, and gooey cheese. It was all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust.
This pie was a mix of bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s a dish I’ve loved for years.
Now, I’m excited to share my version of this family favorite: the Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie. It combines the spicy tastes of Tex-Mex with the cozy feel of a savory pie. This dish is suitable for both expert and inexperienced cooks.
Key Takeaways On Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie Recipe
- Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie is a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired dish
- The recipe features a perfect blend of tender ground beef, zesty jalapenos, and melted cheese
- The flaky, golden crust adds a comforting element to the overall dish
- This recipe is suitable for both experienced and novice home cooks
- The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress and delight
Introduction to Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie
Get ready for a flavorful adventure with the Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie. It’s a Mexican-inspired dish that has won over many in the United States. The pie combines a rich beef filling with the bold taste of jalapeño peppers, all wrapped in a golden crust.
Origins of This Mexican-Inspired Dish
This savory pastry comes from Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. Spicy and hearty dishes are common there. The Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie is a mix of these traditions, blending jalapeño flavors with a comforting beef filling.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This pie is special because of its perfect mix of flavors and textures. The beef filling, with its jalapeño heat, contrasts beautifully with the flaky crust. The melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy touch, making every bite exciting.
Key Flavor Components
The pie’s irresistible taste comes from its ingredients. Ground beef gives it a hearty base, while jalapeño peppers add a spicy kick. The cheddar cheese adds a creamy layer, blending all flavors together for a memorable taste.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Making the perfect spicy meat pie or cheesy beef pastry needs the right ingredients and tools. As you start your cooking journey, make sure you have these key items ready:
Key Ingredients
- Ground beef, preferably a lean cut for a hearty texture
- A variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, for a delightful baked goods experience
- Fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced, to bring the heat
- Onions, garlic, and spices to enhance the flavors
- For the ideal flaky base, prepare pie crust or puff pastry.
Necessary Equipment
- The ground beef should be browned in a large skillet or sauté pan.
- A mixing bowl for combining the fillings
- A rolling pin to ensure an even, well-shaped crust
- A baking sheet or pie dish to contain the assembled pie
- A sharp knife for dicing ingredients and trimming the pastry
With these baked goods ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a delicious cheesy beef pastry or spicy meat pie. It will delight your taste buds and astound your friends.
Making the Perfect Savory Pastry Crust
Creating the perfect savory pastry crust is key for your Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie. It’s all about getting the flaky texture and rich flavor right. Let’s explore the secrets to making an amazing crust.
Pastry Preparation Tips
First, make sure your ingredients are cold. Cold butter and ice-cold water are vital for a light, tender pastry. Mix the flour and butter until it looks like coarse crumbs, but don’t overwork it.
Slowly add the icy water until the dough comes together. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.
Achieving the Flaky Texture
The secret to flaky crust is how you handle the dough. Roll it out quickly and gently, using as few strokes as you can. Fold it in half, then in half again, before rolling it to the right thickness.
Folding and rolling produces layers that puff up and separate when baked. This gives you that flaky texture everyone loves.
Pre-Baking Instructions
To get a crisp, golden crust, pre-bake the shell before adding the filling. Use parchment paper to line the dough, then stuff it with dried beans or pie weights. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until it’s lightly golden.
This step prevents a soggy bottom and lets the pastry’s full flavor shine through.
With these tips, you’re ready to make a show-stopping savory pastry crust. It will perfectly match the bold flavors of your Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie.
Preparing the Ground Beef and Jalapeno Filling
A tasty filling is the first step in creating a delicious Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie. This filling is the core of the dish. It complements the flaky pastry crust and melted cheese on top.
Heat a big skillet over medium-high heat to start. Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground meat while it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, drain any extra fat from the pan.
After that, add the jalapeño peppers to the cooked ground beef. Chop the jalapeños finely, adjusting the amount to your taste. Sauté the jalapeños with the beef for 2-3 more minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.
To make the filling even better, add some spices. Use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to get the perfect mix of heat and flavor.
Once the filling is seasoned, take it off the heat. Set it aside, ready to be used in the pie.
Mastering the Cheese Blend and Seasoning
Making the perfect Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie is more than just mixing flavors. It’s about finding the right cheese blend for the Tex-Mex filling. This guide will help you choose the best cheddar cheese and adjust the spice level to make your cheesy beef pastry amazing.
Cheese Selection Guide
The cheese blend is key to your Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie. Cheddar cheese is a classic, but mixing cheeses can make it even better. Try sharp cheddar with creamy Monterey Jack or spicy pepper Jack for a great flavor mix.
Spice Level Adjustments
The dish’s heat comes from the jalapenos. You can adjust how spicy it is to your liking. For less heat, use fewer jalapenos or pickled ones. For more heat, add more fresh jalapenos or cayenne pepper.
Seasoning Combinations
The seasoning blend is also important. Start with garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder for a Tex-Mex taste. Add oregano, paprika, or smoked paprika for more depth in flavor.
| Cheese Variety | Flavor Profile | Recommended Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | Tangy, bold, and slightly nutty | Ideal for the base of the cheese blend, providing a sturdy foundation |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Creamy, mild, and slightly sweet | Pairs well with the sharp cheddar, adding a creamy texture to the cheese blend |
| Pepper Jack Cheese | Spicy, slightly smoky, and slightly tangy | Adds a kick of heat and a touch of complexity to the cheese blend |
Assembly and Baking Instructions
Starting your Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie is easy. First, unroll the pastry crust and press it into a greased pie dish. Make sure to trim the edges so they fit just right.
Then, add the seasoned ground beef and sautéed jalapenos to the pastry. Sprinkle cheese on top for a delicious finish. Roll out the last bit of dough to cover the filling, sealing it with the edges.
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden and the cheese is bubbly. If the crust browns too fast, cover it with foil. Let the pie rest for 10-15 minutes before you slice and serve. This allows the cheese to cool slightly and the filling to solidify.
Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Jalapeños, diced
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 1 Sheet puff pastry
- 1 Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Olive oil should be heated in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until the steak is browned after adding the ground beef and onion.
- Cook for an additional two minutes after adding the cumin, garlic, jalapenos, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese.
- Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet and fill with beef mixture.
- Fold pastry over and seal edges. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
FAQ
What makes the Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie unique?
This pie is a mix of Tex-Mex and comfort food. It has tender ground beef, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s all wrapped in a flaky pastry crust.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are ground beef, jalapeño peppers, cheddar cheese, and a savory pastry crust.
How do I prepare the perfect pastry crust for this dish?
To get a perfect crust, mix the dough right. Aim for a flaky texture. Also, pre-bake the crust before adding the filling.
Can I adjust the spice level to my personal preference?
Yes, you can change the spice level to your liking. The recipe helps you pick the right cheese and seasonings for your heat preference.
What is the best way to assemble and bake the Spicy Jalapeno and Cheese Beef Pie?
To make the pie, layer the filling and cheese in the crust. Then, bake it as instructed. This will give you a golden crust and melted cheese.
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