Easy Pastelillos
Discover how to make *Easy Pastelillos*, a classic Puerto Rican favorite that's perfect for snacking or entertaining! These crispy, golden pockets of flavor are filled with a mouthwatering mixture of seasoned ground beef, sofrito, olives, and a hint of tomato sauce, all wrapped in convenient empanada dough discs. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is as quick as it is satisfying. Fry them to perfection for a flaky crunch that contrasts beautifully with their savory, well-spiced filling. Serve them hot as an appetizer, party treat, or even a comforting main dish. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, these irresistible pastelillos will transport your taste buds straight to the Caribbean! Keywords: easy pastelillos, Puerto Rican pastelillos, beef pastelillos recipe, empanadas, savory hand pies.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Sofrito
- 2 tablespoons Tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning
- 1 packet Sazón seasoning
- 0.25 cup Olives, sliced
- 10 pieces Empanada dough discs
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 tablespoons Water
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart into crumbles.
2. Add the sofrito, tomato sauce, adobo seasoning, sazón packet, and olives to the cooked meat. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Lay out the empanada dough discs on a clean surface. Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each disc.
4. Lightly moisten the edges of each dough disc with water using your fingers or a small brush. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
5. Seal the edges by pressing them together with the tines of a fork. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
7. Fry the pastelillos in batches, 2-3 at a time, for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
8. Remove the pastelillos with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pastelillos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
594 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.9 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 303 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.1 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 9.0 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 18 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 122 mg | 3% | |
*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.
