Low Sodium Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese

Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and heart-healthy Low Sodium Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese, perfect for those watching their sodium intake without compromising on taste. This recipe combines tender, slow-simmered shredded beef infused with aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, nestled in golden, homemade arepas crafted from pre-cooked cornmeal. Low-sodium cheese adds a luscious, creamy element to each bite, while fresh cilantro offers a touch of brightness as an optional garnish. With a balance of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a satisfying Latin-inspired meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers, these arepas are sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Arepa flour (pre-cooked cornmeal)
• 2.5 cups Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 pound Boneless beef chuck
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 units Garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 unit Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 cups Water (for beef)
• 1 unit Red bell pepper
• 1 cup Low-sodium cheese (such as mozzarella or Swiss)
• 0.25 cup Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the shredded beef. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the beef with ground black pepper. Add the beef to the pot, searing on all sides until browned.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.

Step 4

Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf.

Step 5

Mix in the tomato paste and pour 2 cups of water over the mixture. Bring it to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

Step 7

While the beef is cooking, prepare the arepas. Mix the arepa flour with 2.5 cups of warm water in a bowl.

Step 8

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mix until a smooth dough forms, letting it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

Divide the dough into eight portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch thick disk.

Step 10

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the arepas for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 11

Once the beef is done, shred it using two forks. Allow the cooking liquid to reduce if necessary. Adjust seasoning with additional black pepper if desired.

Step 12

Cut the arepas in half horizontally, like a pocket, and fill each with shredded beef and cheese.

Step 13

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if using.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1698.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2451.1

Total Fat 124.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 317.5mg	0%
Sodium 405.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 226.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.6g	0%
Total Sugars 16.8g
Protein 105.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 250.6mg	0%
Iron 23.6mg	0%
Potassium 3012.0mg	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: 45.7%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 37.0%