Pastelitos de Carne

Pastelitos de Carne

18 servings
Cuban pastelitos de carne are sweet, savory, and flaky. These meat pastries are made with puff pastry, ground beef, and simple syrup.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 small onion

    finely diced

  • 1/2 green bell pepper

    finely diced

  • 2 garlic cloves

    finely minced

  • 1 tbsp dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp sazon
  • 1/4 cup Spanish olives
  • 3 tbsp raisins

    optional

  • 1/4 cup water
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 packages puff pastry

Directions

  1. 1

    Start by preparing the filling. Heat about 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown completely. This should take about 5 minutes. 

  2. 2

    Add the onions and peppers and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 20 seconds. 

  3. 3

    Stir in the tomato sauce, bay leaf, olives, raisins, dry white wine, sazon, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, cinnamon, and water. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Once the 15 minutes are up, season with salt and pepper, and set it aside. 

  5. 5

    To make the simple syrup, add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water to a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool completely.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

  6. 6

    Roll each sheet of puff pastry onto a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 9 round pieces using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a drinking glass. 

  7. 7

    Add about a tablespoon of the beef mixture to the center of each round. Brush the edges with the egg wash and use another puff pastry piece to cover. Pinch the edges together and place them on a baking sheet.

  8. 8

    Brush the tops with egg wash, poke a couple of holes with a toothpick, and bake for 25 minutes.

  9. 9

    Brush the warm pastelitos with simple syrup, let the pastelists cool, and enjoy!

Pastelitos de Carne

Pastelitos de Carne

55 min18 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a delightful blend of sweet and savory in a perfectly flaky package? Look no further than these authentic Cuban Pastelitos de Carne. These beloved meat pastries offer a taste of tradition, perfect for a special snack or an impressive appetizer, bringing rich flavors right to your kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious contrast between the tender, seasoned ground beef filling and the airy, crisp puff pastry. The meticulous blend of spices, including cumin, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon, creates a deeply aromatic and flavorful picadillo that is beautifully complemented by the subtle sweetness of the simple syrup brushed on the pastry. It’s a combination that truly elevates a simple meat pastry into something extraordinary.

When you bite into a Pastelito de Carne, you'll first encounter the delicate crackle of the golden-brown puff pastry, followed by the robust and savory filling. The ground beef, simmered with finely diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic, absorbs the vibrant notes of tomato sauce, dry white wine, and traditional Cuban spices. Spanish olives add a briny counterpoint, while the optional raisins introduce a sweet surprise that brightens every mouthful. This pastry promises a satisfying experience that balances textures and tastes, making it irresistible.

Customization & Serving Tips

These pastelitos are wonderfully adaptable. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could omit the raisins or adjust the amount of Spanish olives to your preference. While this recipe uses ground beef, a blend of beef and pork could also be explored for a richer filling. Don't have dry white wine on hand? A splash of beef broth can work in a pinch to deglaze the pan and add depth. You can also experiment with the simple syrup application, brushing it on for a subtle sheen and sweetness or adding a bit more for a truly candied exterior.

These sweet and savory pastries are ideal for gatherings, as part of a brunch spread, or simply as a comforting snack any time of day. They pair wonderfully with a strong cup of Cuban coffee or a light, refreshing beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions