For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you can't find sofrito, you can make your own by blending together green bell pepper, onion, garlic, cilantro, and aji dulce peppers. Be sure to thaw the empanada dough completely before using it to prevent cracking during assembly. If you don't have a deep fryer, you can also bake the pastelillos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Gourmet Pastelillos (Meat Pies)
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PREP TIME20 mins
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COOK TIME35 mins
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TOTAL TIME55 mins
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SERVING15 People
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VIEWS12
Embark on a culinary journey to Puerto Rico with these exquisite pastelillos! Each bite unveils a symphony of flavors, where savory lean beef dances with the vibrant notes of traditional seasonings, briny green olives, and a whisper of spice, all encased in a perfectly crisp, golden-brown pastry. Ideal as tantalizing appetizers or a satisfying main course, these meat pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate28 g
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Cholesterol21 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein11 g
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Saturated Fat4 g
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Sodium736 mg
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Sugar0 g
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Fat16 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPrepare the Filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbly (5-7 minutes).
02
StepIncorporate Flavors: Stir in the diced onion, tomato sauce, diced olives, sofrito, sazon seasoning, minced garlic, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer (about 15 minutes), allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03
StepAssemble the Pastelillos: Gently spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture into the center of each empanada disco. Lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and firmly press the edges together to seal. For an extra touch, use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a tight seal.
04
StepFry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the pastelillos in the hot oil until they are golden brown and beautifully bubbly (approximately 3 minutes per side).
05
StepDrain and Serve: Remove the fried pastelillos from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
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Garnet Turner
Jun 12, 2025Great recipe! I substituted ground turkey for the beef, and they were still delicious and a bit healthier.
Shanon Bruen
Jun 5, 2025These pastelillos were a huge hit at my party! Everyone loved the authentic Puerto Rican flavor.
Luis Hermann
Jun 5, 2025The recipe was easy to follow, and the pastelillos turned out perfectly. I will definitely be making these again!
Norris Huels
Jun 3, 2025I added a little extra sazon seasoning for a bolder flavor, and they were amazing! Thank you for sharing this recipe.