Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese
Experience a nutritious and flavorful twist on a Latin American classic with this Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese recipe. Made with authentic pre-cooked white cornmeal, these golden, crispy arepas are the perfect complement to tender, slow-cooked beef chuck infused with aromatic spices, onion, garlic, and tomato paste. Completed with dairy-free cheese shreds and fresh cilantro, this dish is entirely Whole30 compliant, offering a wholesome yet indulgent meal you'll love. Ideal for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing comfort food, this recipe combines bold flavors, a hearty texture, and naturally gluten-free ingredients. Perfect for those looking for Whole30 recipes, gluten-free arepas, or healthy Latin-inspired dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (such as P.A.N)
- 2.5 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 tablespoons cooking oil (avocado or olive oil)
- 1 pound beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium & Whole30 compliant)
- 1 unit bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine pre-cooked white cornmeal and sea salt.
Gradually add warm water while mixing to avoid lumps. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to hydrate.
Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and shape each into a ball, then flatten them into discs about 1/4 inch thick.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven set at 200°F.
For the shredded beef, season the beef chuck with salt and pepper.
In a pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute before returning the beef to the pot.
Add beef broth, bay leaf, and cumin. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 3 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred using two forks.
To serve, slice the arepas open along one edge and fill with shredded beef and dairy-free cheese shreds.
Top with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4304 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.6 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 94.9 g | 474% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 340 mg | 113% | |
| Sodium | 4448 mg | 193% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 465.9 g | 169% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.8 g | 99% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 136.9 g | 274% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 240 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 30.3 mg | 168% | |
| Potassium | 2285 mg | 49% | |
*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.
