Crispy Beef Cones with Avocado Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 dientes garlic (grated or finely crushed)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup bell peppers (chopped)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup water (for the beef)
• 4 cheese sticks (approximately 25 g each)
• 4 flour tortillas (for shaping the cones)
• oil for frying (as needed; olive oil is used to sauté the onion)
• shredded cheese (for sprinkling over the filling; amount to taste)
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 0.5 fresh lime juice (the juice of half a lime)
• fresh cilantro (to taste)
• salt (to taste, for the sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp water (add until the desired consistency is reached; up to 5 tbsp may be used)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare all the ingredients: finely chop the onion and peppers, grate or crush the garlic, and set out the cheese sticks, tortillas, and seasonings. For the sauce, scoop out the avocado flesh and juice the lime.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and let it heat without allowing it to smoke.

3. 3

   Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly translucent.

4. 4

   Add the garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, until fragrant. Avoid browning it too much so it does not become bitter.

5. 5

   Add the ground beef. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until well browned and no longer pink.

6. 6

   Add the salt, paprika, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin. Also add the peppers and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, so the spices bloom and the paste combines with the beef.

7. 7

   Pour in 1 cup of water and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer until the mixture thickens and remains lightly saucy, without excess liquid.

8. 8

   While the beef cooks, prepare the avocado sauce. Place the avocado, sour cream, the juice of half a lime, cilantro, salt, garlic powder, and 4 tbsp of water in a blender or food processor.

9. 9

   Blend until smooth and creamy. Add the additional tablespoon of water, if necessary, until the sauce reaches a smooth but not overly runny consistency. Taste and adjust the salt.

10. 10

    Cut the flour tortillas as needed and shape each one into a cone, overlapping and pressing the edges so it holds its shape. Place one cheese stick inside each cone.

11. 11

    Fill each cone with the beef mixture, taking care not to overfill it. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling.

12. 12

    Heat enough oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cones and fry them, turning them so they brown on all sides.

13. 13

    Remove the cones when they are golden and crispy and the cheese inside has melted. Drain them briefly on paper towels.

14. 14

    Serve the crispy cones immediately with the avocado sauce.

Notes

The publication does not specify the amount of oil or the type or weight of the cheese sticks; use enough oil for frying and a cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese. Fry the cones carefully and do not overcrowd the skillet to keep the oil hot and achieve a crispy texture.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• snack
• beef
• crispy
• fried
• cheesy
• avocado sauce
• Mexican food