Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese

Savor the flavors of Latin America with this Whole30 Arepa with Shredded Beef and Cheese—a wholesome, grain-free twist on a classic dish. This recipe features golden, pan-fried arepas made with pre-cooked white cornmeal, stuffed with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef infused with aromatic spices, and topped with creamy, dairy-free cheese shreds. Perfectly suited for the Whole30 lifestyle, the dish is both comforting and nutritious, crafted with clean, simple ingredients like beef broth, garlic, and fresh cilantro. With a combination of crispy arepa exteriors and juicy, flavorful beef fillings, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy traditional flavors without compromising your dietary goals. Serve these handheld delights as a hearty lunch or dinner that’s sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (such as P.A.N)
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 4 tablespoons cooking oil (avocado or olive oil)
• 1 pound beef chuck roast
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium & Whole30 compliant)
• 1 unit bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds (Whole30 compliant)
• 1 handful fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine pre-cooked white cornmeal and sea salt.

Step 2

Gradually add warm water while mixing to avoid lumps. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to hydrate.

Step 3

Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and shape each into a ball, then flatten them into discs about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in an oven set at 200°F.

Step 5

For the shredded beef, season the beef chuck with salt and pepper.

Step 6

In a pot over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.

Step 7

In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute before returning the beef to the pot.

Step 9

Add beef broth, bay leaf, and cumin. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 3 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 10

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred using two forks.

Step 11

To serve, slice the arepas open along one edge and fill with shredded beef and dairy-free cheese shreds.

Step 12

Top with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2517.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4303.5

Total Fat 211.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 94.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 340.2mg	0%
Sodium 4448.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 465.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.8g	0%
Total Sugars 10.4g
Protein 136.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 240.4mg	0%
Iron 30.3mg	0%
Potassium 2284.7mg	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: 44.1%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 43.2%