This is one of the most classic appetizers served at parties in Puerto Rico. This party staple is delicious, filling and very easy to make. Notice some of the ingredients don’t have measurements because everything is up to you and how you like it. Some people like a lot of salad, some don’t, some don’t like too much cheese or sour cream and so on; I like salad so I don’t mind going heavy with it. I’ll basically share with you the ingredient list and method you can layer everything how you like it.
There’s room to play with the recipe so you can always get creative but this is the most traditional way to make it and how I like it. If you want to make this vegan you can replace the meat and dairy ingredients with vegan options or if you just want a lighter option switch the beef with ground chicken or turkey. This is perfect for parties, BBQs, holiday cookouts, etc., specially in the summer. If you haven’t tried it, I think you should and hope you enjoy it too!
Ingredients:
1 block of cream cheese (room temp)
Hot sauce or mild taco sauce
1 tsp oil (any oil works, I use avocado or grapeseed)
1/2 pound of ground beef
1-2 tbsp Taco seasoning
1 tsp Chili powder
Salt/pepper
2 tbsp sofrito
1 tbsp tomato paste
Lettuce
Tomato
Grated cheese (mix or cheddar)
Sour cream
Method:
In a medium pan at medium/high heat put the oil and sauté the sofrito and tomato paste for a minute or two.
Throw in the ground beef, season the beef with chili powder, taco seasoning, salt and pepper. I add to this a dash of hot sauce, but that’s optional. If you want the beef to be a little saucy just add 1-2 tbsp of water while cooking that will help release the juices and seasonings and make a light sauce.
In a large plate spread the cream cheese evenly and sprinkle some hot or mild taco sauce. I use hot sauce.
Spread the warm cooked beef on top of the cream cheese and sauce. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top so it settles a little bit on top of the beef.
Wash and dry lettuce leaves, thinly slice the leaves, or just buy pre shredded lettuce if you’re in a hurry. Sprinkle over the beef and shredded cheese.
Layer the sour cream on top of the lettuce, I use a squeeze bottle to spread it more evenly without mess or dragging all the lettuce around.
Wash and dry a tomato, small dice it. Sprinkle the tomatoes on top.
Serve with nachos, tortilla chips, or tostadas.
Enjoy!
