Low Sodium Arepa with Shredded Beef

Savor the bold flavors of this Low Sodium Arepa with Shredded Beef, a satisfying and heart-healthy spin on a classic Latin American dish. Tender, slow-braised lean beef chuck roast takes center stage, infused with aromatic cumin, garlic, and bell pepper, and cooked in a low-sodium beef broth for perfectly juicy results. Encased in golden, pan-fried arepas made from pre-cooked cornmeal, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Topped off with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of zesty lime, this recipe delivers robust flavors without the sodium. Ideal for a family meal or a flavorful weeknight indulgence, this wholesome dish is packed with nutrients and comforting homemade goodness.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Pre-cooked cornmeal (Masa Harina)
• 2.5 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1.5 pounds Lean beef chuck roast
• 1 large Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 2 cups Low sodium beef broth
• 0.25 cup Cilantro
• 1 large Avocado
• 1 medium Lime

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Step 2

Place the beef chuck roast in a baking dish or Dutch oven.

Step 3

Chop the onion, garlic cloves, and red bell pepper, and add them to the dish with the beef.

Step 4

Add cumin powder, black pepper, bay leaf, and pour low sodium beef broth over the ingredients.

Step 5

Cover the dish with a lid or foil and braise in the oven for 3 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 6

While the beef is cooking, prepare the arepa dough by combining the pre-cooked cornmeal and water in a large mixing bowl.

Step 7

Knead the dough gently until smooth, then divide it into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball.

Step 8

Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 9

In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Once the beef is done, remove it from the oven, discard the bay leaf, and use two forks to shred the meat.

Step 12

Mix the shredded meat with chopped cilantro to taste.

Step 13

Open each arepa with a small knife, creating a pocket, and stuff them with the shredded beef.

Step 14

Optionally, serve with slices of avocado and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2742.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3668.9

Total Fat 194.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 58.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 510.3mg	0%
Sodium 756.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 313.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.7g	0%
Total Sugars 19.2g
Protein 191.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 748.1mg	0%
Iron 31.6mg	0%
Potassium 5041.7mg	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: 46.5%

Protein: 20.3%

Carbs: 33.2%