Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese

Elevate your weeknight meals with this delicious and guilt-free Low Fat Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese. Handmade arepas, crafted from precooked white cornmeal, are pan-fried to golden perfection using olive oil cooking spray—keeping things light yet satisfying. Each arepa is generously filled with tender, slow-cooked lean beef infused with aromatic spices like cumin and chili powder, creating a rich and hearty flavor profile. A layer of melty low-fat mozzarella cheese adds creamy indulgence, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro offers a burst of freshness. This high-protein, low-fat recipe is a wholesome yet decadent choice for dinner or lunch. Whether you're exploring Latin-inspired cuisine or looking for a flavorful alternative to traditional sandwiches, these customizable arepas are sure to delight the whole family.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:150 mins

Servings: 8

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Place the arepas on the griddle and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7

Once the arepas are cooked, carefully slice them in half horizontally using a serrated knife. Be cautious not to burn yourself with steam.

Step 8

Fill each arepa with a portion of shredded beef and a generous sprinkle of low-fat mozzarella cheese. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Step 9

Serve immediately while warm, allowing the cheese to melt slightly for the best flavor experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2261.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2815.6

Total Fat 71.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 400.2mg	0%
Sodium 3735.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 346.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.0g	0%
Total Sugars 15.4g
Protein 195.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1004.8mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 3069.4mg	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: 22.9%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 49.2%