Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef
Transform your mealtime with this rich and satisfying Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef! This paleo-friendly recipe combines the traditional South American staple, golden-crusted arepas made from masa harina, with tender, slow-braised beef in a robust blend of Whole30-compliant spices and broth. The beef is infused with aromatic layers of garlic, cumin, oregano, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, giving it a deep, savory flavor that's perfect for stuffed arepas. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these arepas are easy to prepare and make a comforting yet nutritious dish that's entirely gluten-free, grain-free, and dairy-free. Whether you're following Whole30 or just looking to enjoy a creative twist on classic arepas, this recipe is ideal for impressing guests or elevating family dinners. Make this hearty and flavorful dish today—it’s a perfect balance of tradition and health-conscious eating!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 cup beef broth (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
First, prepare the arepa dough by combining the masa harina, sea salt, and warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.
While the dough rests, preheat an oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the beef chuck roast with sea salt and black pepper, then sear it in the pot until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise the beef for about 2 hours or until it becomes tender enough to shred easily.
While the beef is cooking, shape the arepa dough into small disks, around 1/2-inch thick and about 4 inches in diameter.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the arepas for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they have a golden crust. Set aside and keep warm.
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and, using two forks, shred the meat. Return it to the pot to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
To serve, cut each arepa in half horizontally, place a generous amount of shredded beef inside, and enjoy immediately as a hearty meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3012 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 174.8 g | 224% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.2 g | 301% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 510 mg | 170% | |
| Sodium | 4335 mg | 188% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 223.0 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.3 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 149.5 g | 299% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 542 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 28.9 mg | 161% | |
| Potassium | 3536 mg | 75% | |
*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.
