Vegetarian Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese

Delight your taste buds with these Vegetarian Arepas with Shredded Beef and Cheese, a hearty twist on a Latin American classic that’s entirely plant-based! Made with golden, homemade arepas crafted from precooked white cornmeal, these savory pockets are filled with a flavorful blend of plant-based shredded beef, smoky spices, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. The arepas are lightly pan-fried for a crispy exterior and baked to perfection for that cheesy, warm filling. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as an impressive dish for a vegetarian-friendly fiesta. Simple to make, full of bold flavors, and naturally gluten-free, these stuffed arepas will satisfy plant-based eaters and meat-lovers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked white cornmeal
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup plant-based shredded beef
• 1 medium, chopped onion
• 1 small, chopped red bell pepper
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup, grated cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup, chopped cilantro

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the precooked white cornmeal and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing with your hands until a dough forms. It should be moist but not sticky.

Step 2

Let the dough rest for 5 minutes. Divide it into 8 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a ball. Flatten the balls into discs about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 3

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4

In another pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the plant-based shredded beef, tomato paste, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the cooked arepas in half horizontally, without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket.

Step 7

Fill each arepa pocket with the plant-based shredded beef mixture and grated cheddar cheese.

Step 8

Place the stuffed arepas on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1714.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2827.0

Total Fat 91.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 93.8mg	0%
Sodium 4339.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 387.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.3g	0%
Total Sugars 22.4g
Protein 107.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 700.4mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 2594.8mg	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: 29.5%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 55.2%