Heart-Healthy Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese

Savor the comforting goodness of our **Heart-Healthy Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese**, a flavorful dish that delivers both nourishment and indulgence. Featuring crispy, golden arepas made from wholesome pre-cooked cornmeal and a filling of tender, slow-simmered lean beef, this recipe is a satisfying twist on a traditional classic. Enhanced with sautéed aromatic vegetables and a hint of cumin, the shredded beef pairs perfectly with light mozzarella cheese, while a topping of fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness. Crafted with heart-conscious ingredients like olive oil and low-sodium broth, this balanced meal is perfect for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying option. Perfect as a main course or a hearty snack, these arepas are best served warm and fresh off the skillet, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for any mealtime!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (harina PAN or masarepa)
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound lean beef (such as flank steak)
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup light shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

To prepare the arepa dough, combine pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, olive oil, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until smooth, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the dough to absorb the water.

Step 2

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into discs about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 3

Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

For the shredded beef, season the beef with salt and black pepper. In a large pot, brown the beef on all sides over medium-high heat, then remove from the pot.

Step 5

In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and red bell pepper, sautéing until the onions are translucent. Add cumin and stir well.

Step 6

Return the beef to the pot, add the low-sodium beef broth, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.

Step 7

Remove the beef from the pot, letting it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks.

Step 8

To assemble, slice open the arepas and stuff them with shredded beef, light mozzarella cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 9

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the heart-healthy arepas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1854.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2340.3

Total Fat 41.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 60mg	0%
Sodium 2196.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 412.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.2g
Protein 70.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 902.7mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 1608.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.2%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 71.6%