If you agree that Trader Joe’s Mini Tacos are a shadow of their former selves, I’ve got something that’s going to fill that hole in your heart. Trader Joe’s Empanadas de Ropa Vieja.
Now, of course, empanadas are their own thing entirely. They’re not tacos. They’re more like hand pies. I usually think of them as Argentinian, but there are versions in various Latin American countries. And Ropa Vieja is the national dish of Cuba. So we’re all over the place here*. But bottom line, in this case, if what you’re missing is a mini meat-filled super snack, ya gotta grab a box or two.
I opted to air fry them at 370F for 12 minutes (instructions says 350F for 9-12 mins), turning them at the halfway point. The cassava crust has a nice bit of chew versus the flakiness of a wheat crust. The meat is recognizable as shredded beef and the whole thing is pretty damn tasty overall. Flavorful, but not spicy at all.
Now, I know somebody is gonna ask about dips. For me, it doesn’t need it. But with these, you could jazz up a little sour cream, lime and crema-style, or grab a tub of TJ’s chimichurri sauce, or just go with a spicy salsa if you want to add some heat.
The ingredient list is pretty clean, the sodium isn’t over the top. The only downside for me is there’s only 8 in a box. Would I buy Trader Joe’s Empanadas de Ropa Vieja again? Oh, heck yeah. They’ll be perfect football food.You could throw them on an appetizer platter with some TJ’s samosas.
*The box doesn’t even tell you where they’re Product of. To avoid another brouhaha like the one with Brigadeiros? I don’t know.
Check out some other We Tried’s from Trader Joe’s:
Cheese Empanadas w/ Cassava Crust
Mini Chocolate Mousse Desserts