Gourmet Pastelillos (Meat Pies)

The unique flavor of Puerto Rican seasonings, green olives, and lean beef combine in a deep-fried pastry for a deliciously spicy turnover. Can be served small as appetizers or meal size.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 290 Calories

Ingredients

• vegetable oil for frying
• ¼ cup tomato sauce
• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons sofrito (such as Goya®)
• 6 large pimento-stuffed olives, diced
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced and crushed
• 2 (14 ounce) packages frozen empanada dough (such as Goya® discos)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion, tomato sauce, olives, sofrito, sazon, garlic, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of meat mixture into the middle of a disco. Fold dough over, moisten edges, and press with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining meat mixture and discos.

Step 3

Pour oil into a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Fry pastelillos until golden brown and bubbly, about 3 minutes each. Drain on paper towels before serving.