Arepa with Shredded Beef

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Venezuela with this irresistible Arepa with Shredded Beef recipe. Featuring perfectly golden, crispy arepas made from cornmeal and a juicy, slow-cooked beef chuck roast infused with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this dish delivers a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors. The tender, savory beef is cooked to perfection in a rich tomato-based sauce enhanced by bell peppers, garlic, and onions, making it a mouthwatering filling for the arepas. Quick to assemble yet packed with complex flavors, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Serve these hearty arepas with your favorite toppings, such as creamy avocado, melty cheese, or fragrant cilantro, and enjoy an authentic slice of Latin American cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for fans of flavorful street food!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornmeal for arepas
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound beef chuck roast
• 1 large onion
• 3 units garlic cloves
• 1 large bell pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the shredded beef. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to cook the beef. Place the beef in the cooker with chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and additional salt and pepper. Cook in a pressure cooker for about 90 minutes or in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded.

Step 3

While the beef is cooking, prepare the arepa dough. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, warm water, and salt. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rest for around 5 minutes.

Step 4

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a ball and flattening into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 5

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Cook the arepas for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. You may have to do this in batches.

Step 6

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the cooker and shred it using two forks. If using a pressure cooker, you can thicken the remaining sauce by simmering it. Add the shredded beef back to the sauce to keep it moist.

Step 7

To assemble, split each arepa and fill it generously with the shredded beef. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as cheese, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2417.5 grams (2417.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3175

Total Fat 148.40g	190%
Saturated Fat 44.80g	224%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.40g
Cholesterol 340mg	113%
Sodium 6837mg	297%
Total Carbohydrate 359.10g	131%
Dietary Fiber 38.90g	139%
Total Sugars 20.90g
Protein 123.40g	247%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 242mg	19%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 3227mg	69%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.9%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 44.0%