beef essentials: unique carnitas tart

Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
Wichita, KS

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.

yield serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For beef essentials: unique carnitas tart

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 1
    piecrust dough recipe, more on this later
  • 10 - 12 oz
    carnitas meat with sauce, more on this later
  • 3 - 4 slice
    swiss cheese
  • 4 - 5 oz
    refried beans
  • 2 oz
    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

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 5
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • 6
    Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 450f (230c).
  • 7
    Oil or butter your tart pan.
  • 8
    Roll out your piecrust of choice, on a lightly-floured surface.
  • 9
    Add the bottom pie crust to the tart pan.
  • 10
    Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom of the dough.
  • 11
    Chef’s Note: Poking holes in the dough is called docking, and will keep the dough from rising as it cooks.
  • 12
    Place in the preheated oven, and bake until it begins to brown, about 6 – 8 minutes.
  • 13
    Remove from the oven, and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
  • 14
    Add the Swiss cheese to the bottom of the tart.
  • 15
    Cover with the refried beans.
  • 16
    Add the cheese to the carnitas beef, and add to the tart.
  • 17
    Roll out the dough for the top of the tart.
  • 18
    Add to the top, poke a few holes to allow the steam to escape, and brush with a bit of melted butter.
  • 19
    Place into the oven, and bake until the filling is hot, and the crust brown, about 15 – 18 minutes.
  • 20
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    21
    Cut into wedges, and serve with some rice, a bit of sour cream, salsa, and a lime wedge. Enjoy.
  • So yummy
    22
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

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