Meat Croquette with Catupiry: Crispy and Creamy Delight

Meat Croquette with Catupiry

Few savory snacks are as irresistible as a freshly fried Meat Croquette with Catupiry. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with seasoned ground beef and creamy cheese, this classic recipe is perfect for parties, family gatherings, afternoon snacks, or special occasions.

The secret to an exceptional croquette lies in the balance of textures. The dough is rich and flavorful, the beef filling is perfectly seasoned, and the Catupiry adds a creamy center that melts beautifully when the croquettes are served hot. Combined with a golden breadcrumb coating, every bite delivers a delicious contrast of crunch and creaminess.

Although they look impressive, these croquettes are surprisingly simple to prepare. With a little patience during the shaping and breading process, you can create a batch of homemade savory treats that rival those found in bakeries and snack bars.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy golden exterior with a soft center.
• Creamy Catupiry filling that melts beautifully.
• Perfect for parties, celebrations, and snacks.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Can be prepared ahead of time.
• Freezer-friendly for convenient meal preparation.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 500 ml beef broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green herbs to taste
• 200 g Catupiry or firm cream cheese

For Breading

• 2 eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Each ingredient serves an important purpose. The beef creates a rich and savory base, while the broth and flour combine to form a smooth dough. The Catupiry provides creaminess, and the breadcrumb coating ensures an irresistibly crispy finish after frying.

Preparing the Meat Dough

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant. This first step builds the flavor foundation for the entire recipe.

Add the ground beef and cook until lightly browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Proper browning helps develop a richer and more savory flavor throughout the dough.

Season with salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Add the beef broth and butter, stirring until fully combined. The broth enriches the mixture while the butter contributes smoothness and flavor.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before moving on to the next step.

Forming the Dough

As soon as the liquid reaches a boil, add the all-purpose flour all at once. Stir continuously and vigorously using a sturdy spoon or spatula.

The mixture will quickly begin to thicken and transform into a firm dough. Continue stirring until the dough becomes smooth and pulls away from the sides of the pan.

This step is essential because it helps develop the structure needed to shape the croquettes later. The dough should be firm enough to hold its shape while remaining soft and workable.

Transfer the dough to a clean surface or large bowl and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, knead it gently until it becomes smooth and uniform.

A smooth dough makes shaping much easier and helps create evenly sized croquettes.

Shaping the Croquettes

Take a small portion of dough and flatten it gently in the palm of your hand. Place a small amount of Catupiry or firm cream cheese in the center.

Carefully bring the edges of the dough together and seal completely around the filling. Be sure there are no openings, as exposed filling can leak during frying.

Shape the dough into the traditional croquette form, creating a neat and uniform appearance. Repeat the process until all the dough and filling have been used.

Taking your time during this stage helps ensure that every croquette fries evenly and maintains its beautiful shape.

Breading the Croquettes

Place the beaten eggs in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another.

Dip each croquette into the beaten egg, coating it completely. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.

The breadcrumb coating creates the signature crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.

For an even thicker and crunchier coating, ensure every surface is well covered with breadcrumbs before frying.