There’s a unique joy that comes from biting into a crispy sopapilla, the outside perfectly golden and flaky, revealing a warm, savory filling inside. I remember the first time I crafted these delectable bites in my kitchen; the aroma of seasoned beef mingling with the frying dough was enough to make anyone’s mouth water! As I drizzled on the luscious green chile sauce, I couldn’t help but think how these stuffed sopapillas would be a star at any dinner table—an unexpected hit during casual family nights or lively gatherings.
Quick and impressive, these stuffed sopapillas combine comfort food with a touch of culinary flair. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll discover how easy it is to transform your weeknight meals into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you serve these crispy delights, the fast-food cravings will be a distant memory! Whether you’re an experienced chef or someone who just loves cozy homemade meals, these sopapillas are bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Why are Stuffed Sopapillas so beloved?
Crispy exterior: Enjoy the delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with a savory, warm filling. Quick preparation: With minimal ingredients, you can whip up these treats in no time. Versatile options: Feel free to switch up the filling to include your favorite proteins or veggies. Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests; everyone loves these tasty bites! Nostalgic flavor: These sopapillas evoke memories of cozy meals, making every bite special. If you’re eager to try more comforting recipes, check out this quick and delicious sopapilla variation!
Stuffed Sopapillas Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these irresistible Stuffed Sopapillas.
For the Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for a perfectly crispy sopapilla.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor of both the dough and the filling.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring that the sopapillas puff beautifully.
- Water – Hydrates the dough for the perfect consistency.
- Evaporated Milk – Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Canola Oil – Used in the dough and for frying, contributing to a delightful texture.
For the Filling
- Ground Beef – The main filling that delivers delicious flavor and protein.
- Chopped Onion – Adds an aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the savory notes and overall tastiness.
- Pepper – Offers a mild heat that complements the other flavors.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup – Forms the base for the rich, creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Chopped Green Chiles – Provides a mild spicy kick to balance out the sauce.
- Onion Powder – Complements the green chiles, enhancing flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully on top of the finished sopapillas for added richness.
Feel free to get creative with substitutions based on your preferences! Enjoy the cooking adventure ahead!
How to Make Stuffed Sopapillas
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Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir in water, evaporated milk, and canola oil until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
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Prepare the Sopapillas: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-1/2 inch circle. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, then fry each circle for 2-3 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.
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Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, mix the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped green chiles, and onion powder. Heat gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
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Assemble: Carefully cut a pocket into each fried sopapilla. Spoon the beef filling inside, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and drizzle generously with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while warm.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Stuffed Sopapillas
Fridge: Store leftover stuffed sopapillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow them to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain their crispy exterior.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sopapillas individually wrapped in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This helps preserve their texture and flavor.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen sopapillas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but the texture may soften.
Cooling: Always let the stuffed sopapillas cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess, ensuring they stay delicious for your next meal!
Expert Tips for Stuffed Sopapillas
- Perfect Puffing: Ensure your oil temperature is exactly 375°F for crispy sopapillas. Using cooler oil may lead to flat, greasy results.
- Dough Texture: Knead the dough just enough—over-kneading can result in tough sopapillas. Your goal is a soft, pliable dough.
- Filling Variations: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the filling. Ground turkey, chicken, or black beans can be delicious alternatives for your Stuffed Sopapillas.
- Sauce Thickness: If your creamy sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to thicken up before serving. This will enhance the overall dish!
- Storage Solutions: Leftover sopapillas can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individually to keep them fresh!
Stuffed Sopapillas Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your delicious sopapillas with these enticing variations!
- Whole Wheat: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier dough. The slight nuttiness adds great flavor!
- Turkey Filling: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option. You’ll still enjoy a rich and flavorful filling without all the extra fat.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the ground meat for black beans and corn. This vibrant filling offers a delicious twist packed with nutrients!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef filling for an extra kick. For those who love heat, this variation will not disappoint!
- Creamy Avocado: Include a layer of creamy avocado slices in each sopapilla before adding the filling. It brings a delightful creaminess balancing the spice!
- Herbed Cheese: Try mixing in some crumbled feta or goat cheese with the cheddar for a tangy twist. The creamy texture is an indulgent surprise!
- Sweet Option: For a dessert version, fill sopapillas with a mix of sweetened cream cheese and cinnamon sugar, then drizzle with honey. A sweet surprise for any gathering!
- Baked Sopapillas: For a healthier take, brush the assembled sopapillas with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden. They’ll still be deliciously crispy!
Make Ahead Options
These Stuffed Sopapillas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough and the beef filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions to make the dough and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture. The cooked beef mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, roll out the dough and fry it fresh for that delightful crunch, then assemble as directed with the filling and creamy sauce. This not only saves time on busy weeknights, but you’ll still enjoy that fresh, homemade taste!
What to Serve with Stuffed Sopapillas?
Discover the delightful pairings that will elevate your stuffed sopapillas into a full, satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
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Mexican Rice: A fluffy, seasoned side that soaks up the creamy sauce, enhancing every savory bite and adding a comforting texture.
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Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, they provide a wholesome counterbalance to the crispy sopapillas, making each meal heartier.
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Fresh Green Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette bring a refreshing crunch, cutting through the richness of the stuffed sopapillas for a balanced dish.
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Guacamole: Smooth and creamy, this avocado dip adds a layer of freshness and richness, perfect for spreading over the sopapillas.
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Salsa: A zesty salsa balances the savory flavors with its bright acidity, making each bite pop with an explosion of flavor.
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Chilled Horchata: This sweet, rice-based beverage complements the spicy notes while enhancing the overall experience with its creamy and satisfying profile.
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Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn slathered in crema and queso fresco brings delightful sweetness and adds a fun, textural contrast to the meal.
Stuffed Sopapillas Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my stuffed sopapillas?
Absolutely! Choose all-purpose flour that is fresh and free of lumps for the dough. Look for ground beef with a good fat content—around 80/20 is perfect for flavor and texture. For the chiles, opt for canned green chiles; they’ll add a delightful mild heat to your sauce. Your vegetables and herbs should be fresh to ensure the best flavor, particularly the onion; you want it to be firm and fragrant.
What’s the best way to store leftover stuffed sopapillas?
Leftover stuffed sopapillas should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to preserve their crispy texture. If you’re storing for an extended period, wrap them in plastic wrap first or place them in a freezer-safe bag to minimize air exposure!
Can I freeze stuffed sopapillas, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can! To freeze stuffed sopapillas, allow them to cool completely, then individually wrap each one in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to squeeze out any excess air. They can be stored this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until crispy!
What if my stuffed sopapillas don’t puff up while frying?
Very! If your sopapillas aren’t puffing when frying, the oil temperature might be too low. Make sure your oil is heated to exactly 375°F—this is key for puffing! If the temperature is right but they still don’t puff, your dough may need more kneading or resting time. Ensure it’s well-mixed and has rested adequately (15 minutes usually does the trick!), which helps with the puffing process.
Are these stuffed sopapillas suitable for people with allergies?
For the most part, stuffed sopapillas contain common allergens like gluten (from flour) and dairy (from cheese and evaporated milk). If you’re making them for someone with dairy allergies, you can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of evaporated milk. Always check labels on your products to avoid cross-contamination if you’re catering to severe allergies.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen sopapillas?
To reheat frozen stuffed sopapillas and regain their delightful crispiness, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sopapillas on a baking sheet and cover them lightly with foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re warmed through. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though this may soften the exterior a bit.
Crispy Stuffed Sopapillas with Creamy Green Chile Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually stir in water, evaporated milk, and canola oil until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-1/2 inch circle. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F, then fry each circle for 2-3 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat, then season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.
- In a saucepan, mix the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped green chiles, and onion powder. Heat gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Carefully cut a pocket into each fried sopapilla. Spoon the beef filling inside, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and drizzle generously with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while warm.