How to Make Gourmet Pastelillos (Meat Pies) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a delicious and authentic Puerto Rican dish to add to your cooking repertoire? Look no further than these mouthwatering Gourmet Pastelillos, also known as meat pies. These flaky, golden-brown pastries are filled with a savory and flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat, onions, peppers, and a hint of spices, making them a popular street food and a beloved staple in Puerto Rican cuisine.

Whether you're looking to impress your friends and family at a gathering or simply cr...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
  • ½ onion, diced
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • 6 large pimento-stuffed olives, diced
  • 2 tablespoons sofrito (such as Goya)
  • 1 (1.41 ounce) package sazòn seasoning with coriander and achiote (such as Goya)
  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced and crushed
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • 2 (14 ounce) packages frozen empanada dough (such as Goya discos)
  • 4 cups vegetable oil, or as needed for frying

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 15
  • Yield: 15 pastelillos

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in hot oil until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in onion, tomato sauce, olives, sofrito, sazòn, garlic, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened, about 15 minutes.
  • Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon meat mixture into the middle of a disco. Moisten the edges, fold dough to form a half-moon, and press with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining meat mixture and discos.
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Working in batches, fry pastelillos in hot oil until golden brown and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.
  • Nutrition

    290 cal.

    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 21mg
    • Sodium: 736mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 11g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 6mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 111mg