Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef

Savor the deliciousness of this **Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef**, a lighter yet equally satisfying twist on a classic Venezuelan favorite. Featuring tender, slow-cooked extra-lean beef seasoned with garlic, cumin, and oregano, this dish boasts bold, savory flavors while keeping it heart-healthy. The arepas, made from gluten-free precooked white cornmeal, are pan-seared to golden perfection with just a touch of olive oil, resulting in a crisp exterior and soft, fluffy inside. Stuffed with the juicy shredded beef and optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, these versatile arepas are perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. With its low-fat approach, gluten-free base, and rich, satisfying taste, this recipe is sure to be your next go-to for both flavor and nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (Harina PAN)
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound extra-lean beef chuck
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, chopped green bell pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons oregano
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped optional, fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked white cornmeal with warm water and salt.

Step 2

Stir the ingredients until the dough is smooth and can be shaped. If too wet, add a little more cornmeal; if too dry, add a bit more water.

Step 3

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a disc about ½-inch thick.

Step 4

Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil.

Step 5

Cook the arepas for about 5 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden crust. They should sound hollow when tapped.

Step 6

Set the arepas aside while preparing the beef.

Step 7

Trim any visible fat from the beef chuck, then cut it into large chunks.

Step 8

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the beef, low-sodium beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, cumin, oregano, and black pepper.

Step 9

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 10

Remove the beef from the pot and shred using two forks.

Step 11

Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the remaining liquid and vegetables.

Step 12

Slice the arepas in half horizontally, creating a pocket or sandwich style, and fill with a generous amount of the shredded beef mixture.

Step 13

Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Step 14

Serve warm and enjoy your low-fat arepas with shredded beef!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1956.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2063.9

Total Fat 41.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 1605.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 284.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.4g
Protein 146.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 142.7mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 2406.5mg	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: 17.7%

Protein: 28.0%

Carbs: 54.3%