Latin Leftovers: Meaty Favorites

Whenever we make a meal, we want it to be something the whole family can enjoy, as well as something that is easy to throw together. Using leftovers, quick cooking meats, and on-hand ingredients can be the difference between a delicious, fast family favorite that keeps everyone happy and full or a cranky, hungry weeknight crowd. Take the easy way out without sacrificing on flavor, and watch how easy a weeknight meal (or some really great passed appetizers) can be!

Have a bunch of leftovers from that big pernil you made over the weekend? No problem! BBQ Pernil Sandwiches are a great recipe to have on hand. A quick homemade BBQ sauce with agave, lime, and ancho chile smothers your pernil, piled high on buns (whole wheat or multigrain if you want to go the nutritious route) making a family friendly sandwich packed with flavor.

Creamy Pernil Puffs are a nice appetizer that come together in less than 30 minutes and taste like you’ve been slaving in the kitchen all afternoon. Luscious goat cheese is whipped with fresh jalapeño, pernil, salt, and pepper and packaged in fluffy puff pastry for an appetizer that’ll make your hungry crowd scream for more.

BBQ Pernil Sandwiches  

• 2 tablespoons agave
• 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups cooked pernil, shredded
• 1/4 cup water

Get the full recipe. 

Creamy Pernil Puffs

• 1/2 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 cups cooked pernil, shredded
• 1/2 cup chèvre
• 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup water, warm

Get the full recipe. 

Did last night’s pabellón leave you with copious amounts of extra flank steak? Carne Mechada Quesadillas will revamp your leftovers into something terrific just by adding a helping of habanero jack cheese. Add some fresh salsa and you have a meal in less than 20 minutes!

If your family loves a messy sandwich, try some Carne Mechada Sliders with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that the whole family will love. Chorizo Sloppy Joes are a twist on the classic with smoked paprika, spicy chorizo and fresh jalapeño for that Latin flavor we love with the childhood feel of the original.

Easy to make and fun to eat, break these recipes out next meal time and see how fast your hungry crowd becomes a full and happy crowd. Leftovers, a few tips and tricks, and a stack of burger buns can make some really great dinners!

Carne Mechada Quesadillas

• 4 flour tortillas, 6-8 inch diameter
• 1 cup habanero jack cheese, grated
• 2 cups cooked flank steak, shredded
• 2 tablespoons chèvre

Get the full recipe.

Carne Mechada Sliders 

• 2 tablespoons agave
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
• 6 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• juice of 1/2 a lime
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups cooked flank steak, shredded
• 4 slider buns

Get the full recipe. 

Chorizo Sloppy Joes 

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 12 ounces chorizo, raw
• 1 tablespoon jalapeño, minced
• 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon spanish paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns

Get the full recipe.