Gorditas de Carne con Chile Colorado (Stuffed Masa Pockets)
Puffy griddled masa pockets split open and stuffed with beef mince cooked in red chilli sauce and diced potato.
Made with Chile colorado sauce. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.96 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wide pan and cook the onion for 4 minutes. Add the beef mince and brown it for 6 minutes, breaking it up.
10 min - 2
Add the potato, then your ready made chile colorado sauce (see the base recipe) and 100 ml of water. Simmer gently for 15 minutes until the potato is tender and the mixture is thick. Season with salt.
15 min - 3
Mix the masa harina, salt and warm water into a soft dough. Rest for 10 minutes.
10 min - 4
Divide into 8 balls and flatten to discs about 10 cm across and 1 cm thick.
- 5
Cook the discs in a dry pan over a medium heat for 4 minutes per side until puffed slightly and golden. Do not rush this, the middle must cook through.
8 min - 6
Keep them wrapped in a tea towel for 5 minutes, then slit each one open along one edge to make a pocket. Fill with the beef, lettuce and queso fresco and serve warm.
Tips
- Make sure the dough is not too wet. If it sticks to your hands add a spoonful of masa harina.
- Slit the gorditas while they are still warm. They tear when cold.
- Fry them in a little oil for 1 minute per side after griddling if you like them crisper.
Storing and freezing
Keep the filling in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months, cooling within 2 hours. Cooked gorditas keep 2 days and reheat in a dry pan. Reheat everything until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
How do I get gorditas to puff?
A hot, dry pan and a dough that is soft, not stiff. Cook them on a medium heat and let steam build inside. A good gordita puffs a little.
Can I fill them with something else?
Yes. Refried beans, shredded pork, chicken in sauce or cheese and rajas all work.
Can I use turkey mince?
Yes. Use the same weight of turkey mince but cook it a little longer, as it gives off more water.
More made with chile colorado sauce
Pollo en Chile Colorado con Arroz Rojo (Red Chilli Chicken Thighs)
GFDFEFHuevos Ahogados en Chile Colorado (Eggs Poached in Red Chilli Sauce)
DFNFVTacos de Chile Colorado (Red Chilli Beef Tacos)
DFEFNFSopes con Pollo en Chile Colorado (Thick Masa Cakes with Red Chicken)
GFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.