Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this *Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese*, a lighter twist on a classic Latin American dish that doesn’t skimp on taste! Made with wholesome precooked white cornmeal, these golden arepas are perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Each arepa is stuffed with succulent slow-cooked, shredded lean beef infused with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, complemented by a generous sprinkle of melted low-fat mozzarella cheese. The filling is rich yet guilt-free, topped off with a hint of fresh cilantro for an optional burst of herbaceous flavor. With only a light touch of olive oil spray for cooking, this recipe demonstrates that healthier choices can be every bit as satisfying. Perfect as a nutritious weeknight dinner or a comfort-food-inspired treat, this dish is not only high in protein but also packed with flavor and texture in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, your taste buds are in for a treat!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Precooked white cornmeal
- 2.5 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 as needed Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 pound Lean beef (bottom round or flank steak)
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 cups Low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 cup Low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preparing the beef. Place the lean beef in a slow cooker along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, low-sodium beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork. Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the precooked white cornmeal with salt. Gradually add water, mixing it with your hands to form a dough. The consistency should be pliable and moist, but not sticky. Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes.
Preheat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Before cooking the arepas, spray the cooking surface with a light layer of olive oil cooking spray.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disk about 1/2 inch thick.
Place the arepas on the griddle and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once the arepas are cooked, carefully slice them in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Be cautious not to burn yourself with steam.
Fill each arepa with a portion of shredded beef and a generous sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella cheese. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to melt slightly for the best flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
319 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 9.6 g | 12% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 417 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.2 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 23.7 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 131 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 408 mg | 9% | |
*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.
