Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese

Sink your teeth into this mouthwatering *Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese*, a traditional Venezuelan and Colombian-inspired dish that’s comfort food at its finest. This recipe features golden, crispy arepas made from precooked cornmeal, stuffed with savory shredded beef cooked to perfection in a rich tomato and spice-infused sauce. The tender beef, seasoned with cumin, paprika, and a medley of aromatics, pairs beautifully with the gooey, melted queso blanco or mozzarella cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or an indulgent snack, these handheld delights are both hearty and satisfying. Whether crafted for a family feast or a quick solo meal, these stuffed arepas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don't forget to serve them hot for the ultimate flavor-packed experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:180 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked cornmeal (masa arepa)
• 2.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound beef flank steak
• 1 medium onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup queso blanco or mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the beef filling. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Add them to the pot, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the beef flank steak to the pot, searing it on both sides until it's nicely browned.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the beef cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it is tender enough to shred easily.

Step 6

While the beef is cooking, prepare the arepas. In a large bowl, mix the precooked cornmeal, water, and salt, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9

Once the beef is done, shred it using two forks and mix it back into the sauce in the pot.

Step 10

To assemble, slice each arepa open and fill it with the shredded beef and a generous amount of shredded cheese.

Step 11

Serve the arepas immediately while the cheese is still melty.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2541.8 grams (2541.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3578

Total Fat 150.90g	193%
Saturated Fat 59.00g	295%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.20g
Cholesterol 489mg	163%
Sodium 8361mg	364%
Total Carbohydrate 358.90g	131%
Dietary Fiber 27.80g	99%
Total Sugars 15.60g
Protein 209.60g	419%

Vitamin D 51IU	257%
Calcium 1923mg	148%
Iron 30mg	168%
Potassium 2908mg	62%

*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: 37.4%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 39.5%