beef essentials: unique carnitas tart

Name: Beef Essentials: Unique Carnitas Tart
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ## PLAN/PURCHASE; 1 piecrust dough recipe, more on this later; 10 - 12 ounce(s) carnitas meat with sauce, more on this later; 3 - 4 slice(s) swiss cheese; 4 - 5 ounce(s) refried beans; 2 ounce(s) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; salt, kosher variety, to taste; black pepper, freshly ground, to taste; ## ADDITIONAL ITEMS; oil or butter; sour cream, for serving; salsa, your favorite, for serving; white rice, for serving

18 Pinches 20 Photos

Andy Anderson !

Wichita, KS

Updated on Jun 19, 2019

There is probably a good reason why you may have never heard of a carnitas tart. It is pretty much because I am making it up as I go along. It is called, Mad Scientist at work. As Spring slowly gives way to Summer, I find myself making new dishes for Summer events that I cater, and working on new recipes for the Autumn. This is what I would define as a Summer/Autumn recipe. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

Rate

prep time 15 Min

cook time 30 Min

method Bake

yield Several

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
1 piecrust dough recipe, more on this later
10 - 12 ounces carnitas meat with sauce, more on this later
3 - 4 slices swiss cheese
4 - 5 ounces refried beans
2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
salt, kosher variety, to taste
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
oil or butter
sour cream, for serving
salsa, your favorite, for serving
white rice, for serving

How To Make beef essentials: unique carnitas tart

Step 1

PREP/PREPARE

Step 2

You will notice that I am rather light on the spices. That is because the carnitas beef recipe I am using is well spiced. If you are using some bland shredded beef, you will need to load up on the spices, like: cumin, cayenne, paprika, etc. Here is the carnitas shredded beef recipe that I used: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/beef/mexican-essentials-spicy-carnitas-beef.html
Step 3

I experimented with several types of crust. What I was going for was something flaky, buttery, and that melts in your mouth. In the end, I went back to my Cordon Bleu roots, and made a Pâte Brisée crust… perfect. You can use any piecrust dough you desire; even store-bought. However, if you are looking for a Pâte Brisée recipe, here is mine: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/appetizer/vegetable-appetizer/pate-brisee-hors-doeuvre-cups.html?r=1
Step 4

You will need an ovenproof tart pan (ceramic or metal), or similar container. I picked mine up at Williams-Sonoma (I am a big fan of Bill’s). It measures 9-inches (23cm) in diameter.
Step 5

Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
Step 6

Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 450f (230c).
Step 7

Oil or butter your tart pan.
Step 8

Roll out your piecrust of choice, on a lightly-floured surface.
Step 9

Add the bottom pie crust to the tart pan.
Step 10

Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom of the dough.
Step 11

Chef’s Note: Poking holes in the dough is called docking, and will keep the dough from rising as it cooks.
Step 12

Place in the preheated oven, and bake until it begins to brown, about 6 – 8 minutes.
Step 13

Remove from the oven, and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 14

Add the Swiss cheese to the bottom of the tart.
Step 15

Cover with the refried beans.
Step 16

Add the cheese to the carnitas beef, and add to the tart.
Step 17

Roll out the dough for the top of the tart.
Step 18

Add to the top, poke a few holes to allow the steam to escape, and brush with a bit of melted butter.
Step 19

Place into the oven, and bake until the filling is hot, and the crust brown, about 15 – 18 minutes.
Step 20

PLATE/PRESENT
Step 21

Cut into wedges, and serve with some rice, a bit of sour cream, salsa, and a lime wedge. Enjoy.
Step 22

Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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