New Mexican Sopapilla Pie

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Cuisine: New Mexican

Description

This New Mexican Sopapilla Pie is a delicious fusion of flaky, fried sopapilla dough and rich, savory fillings. A traditional Southwestern dish, it layers spiced ground beef, beans, and cheese between crispy sopapilla layers, then bakes to golden perfection. Served with honey or powdered sugar, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

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Ingredients

For the Sopapilla Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 3 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp oregano

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

For Topping (Optional):

• Honey or powdered sugar for drizzling

• Sour cream or salsa for serving

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sopapilla Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually add warm water and oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead lightly on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth.

5. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.

2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft (3-4 minutes).

3. Stir in beans, green chiles, and spices. Cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Roll and Fry the Sopapillas

1. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a thin circle (about 6-7 inches wide).

2. Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet (350°F). Fry each dough round for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a 9×13 baking dish, layer:

   • 1 fried sopapilla

   • ½ of the meat mixture

   • ½ cup cheese

   • Repeat layers, ending with a sopapilla on top.

3. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

2. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Drizzle with honey or dust with powdered sugar for a sweet-savory finish.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

• Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.

• Make Ahead: Prep filling and dough ahead, then assemble before baking.

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Conclusion

This New Mexican Sopapilla Pie is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together the best of Southwestern cuisine. Crispy, cheesy, and slightly sweet, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Serve with a side of salsa or a fresh salad for a complete meal!