Savor the rich flavors of Venezuela with this irresistible Arepa with Shredded Beef recipe! Perfectly golden and crispy arepas, made from a simple mix of cornmeal, warm water, and salt, are filled to the brim with tender, slow-cooked beef infused with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. The beef is simmered with fresh onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomato paste in a flavorful beef broth, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. With the option to use a slow cooker or pressure cooker for ultimate convenience, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve these stuffed arepas warm and personalize them with toppings like creamy avocado, melted cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of vibrant flavor. Whether youβre introducing your family to a South American favorite or simply craving an unforgettable comfort food experience, this recipe is sure to make everyone at your table happy! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a flavorful snack, it's time to bring these Arepas with Shredded Beef to your menu.
Begin by preparing the shredded beef. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper.
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.
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.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a ball and flattening into a disc about 1/2 inch thick.
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.
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.
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.
Calories |
3175 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 148.4 g | 190% | |
| Saturated Fat | 44.8 g | 224% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 25.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 6837 mg | 297% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 359.1 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.9 g | 139% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 123.4 g | 247% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 242 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 3227 mg | 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.