Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef

Discover the perfect blend of Latin-inspired comfort and Whole30-friendly eating with these delicious Whole30 Arepas with Shredded Beef. This recipe features golden arepas made from masa harina, offering a satisfying crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. They’re filled with succulent shredded beef, slow-braised in a rich, savory mixture of onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomato paste, and aromatic spices, making each bite a burst of bold flavor. The dish is entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and compliant with Whole30 guidelines, ensuring a wholesome yet indulgent meal. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, these stuffed arepas are a great way to elevate your weeknight menu while staying on track with your health goals.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:180 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Whole30 compliant)
• 1 cup beef broth (Whole30 compliant)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

Step 1

First, prepare the arepa dough by combining the masa harina, sea salt, and warm water in a mixing bowl. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Let the dough rest for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

While the dough rests, preheat an oven to 325°F (160°C).

Step 3

In a large Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Season the beef chuck roast with sea salt and black pepper, then sear it in the pot until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.

Step 7

Return the beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and transfer the pot to the preheated oven. Braise the beef for about 2 hours or until it becomes tender enough to shred easily.

Step 8

While the beef is cooking, shape the arepa dough into small disks, around 1/2-inch thick and about 4 inches in diameter.

Step 9

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Cook the arepas for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they have a golden crust. Set aside and keep warm.

Step 10

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and, using two forks, shred the meat. Return it to the pot to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 11

To serve, cut each arepa in half horizontally, place a generous amount of shredded beef inside, and enjoy immediately as a hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1898.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3011.7

Total Fat 174.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 60.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 510.3mg	0%
Sodium 4335.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 223.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.5g
Protein 149.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 541.8mg	0%
Iron 28.9mg	0%
Potassium 3536.2mg	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: 51.4%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 29.1%