Best Easy Pacholas Recipe

Ground beef formed into thin, oval patties with dried chiles and spices, pan-fried to perfection. This high protein, family dish is a healthy, fresh choice ideal for calorie deficit meals.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 285 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • lean ground beef 1 lb
  • dried ancho chile 1 piece
  • dried guajillo chile 1 piece
  • white sandwich bread 1 slice
  • egg 1 piece
  • white onion 0.5 cup
  • garlic 2 cloves
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
  • vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 10%
Protein 25 g 36%
Fat 17 g 54%
Serving size 160g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Stem and deseed the dried ancho and guajillo chiles. Toast chiles over medium heat in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn.

  2. 2

    Soak toasted chiles in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes to rehydrate, then drain and finely chop.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped chiles, torn bread, lightly beaten egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until combined—do not overwork.

  4. 4

    With damp hands, shape mixture into oval patties about ¼-inch thick, pressing firmly to help them hold together.

  5. 5

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties in batches and fry 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Pacholas recipe?
Lean ground beef is the main ingredient, providing the signature meaty flavor and high protein content that defines this dish. Traditional dried chiles (ancho and guajillo) also add essential depth and mild heat, making Pacholas distinct from plain burgers.
Q. Which seasoning gives Pacholas its authentic taste?
The combination of ground cumin and dried oregano delivers classic Mexican aroma and warmth, while dried chiles infuse a mild smokiness. These seasonings work together with garlic and onion to create Pacholas’ characteristic flavor.
Q. What’s the secret to cooking Pacholas so they stay moist and don’t fall apart?
Shaping the patties thin and using a mix of egg and bread helps the patties bind while keeping them juicy. Frying them in batches on medium-high heat prevents steaming and ensures a good sear without drying the beef. Avoid overmixing the meat to preserve tenderness.
Q. How many calories and protein are there per serving?
Each serving contains about 285 kcal and 25g of protein, making it a great choice for high-protein or calorie-controlled diets. There are also 7g carbs and 17g fat per serving, supporting balanced nutrition.
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