My Recipe Box

Beef Arepas

A delicious Latin American dish filled with shredded beef and melted cheese, served inside a crispy cornmeal arepa.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 20-30 mins
Serves: 4
Author: Yarита88

4.1 / 5 (718)


Ingredients

Dough
  • cornmeal

    2 cups

  • salt

    a pinch

  • warm water

    1 cup

Filling
  • shredded beef

    1 pound

  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    2 cloves

  • cheddar cheese

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by making the arepa dough, mixing cornmeal and salt in a large bowl.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cornmeal and a pinch of salt. Gradually add 1 cup of warm water and mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes pliable and smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  • 2
    Prepare the filling by sautéing the onion and garlic.

    Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Chop 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic, then sauté them until the onion is translucent. Add 1 pound of shredded beef and cook until it's fully incorporated with the onion and garlic mixture.

  • 3
    Divide the dough into 4 portions and shape each into a ball.

    After the dough has rested, divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball between your hands until it's smooth and evenly shaped.

  • 4
    Flatten each ball into a disk and cook in a skillet.

    Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each ball into a disk about 1/2 inch thick. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the arepas for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy.

  • 5
    Assemble the arepas with the beef filling and cheese.

    Once the arepas are cooked, slice them in half horizontally. Fill each arepa with the beef and onion mixture, and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Place them under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

334

4

213

3

112

2

37

1

22

Reviews

  • NJensen87

    As I pondered the prospect of sampling these Beef Arepas, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of dismay. The presence of gluten in the cornmeal, albeit a non-wheat source, still poses a threat to my sensitive constitution. Moreover, the absence of vegetarian options in the recipe, with the dominant presence of shredded beef, made it difficult for me to truly connect with this dish. While I can appreciate the allure of the crispy arepa and the savory beef filling, I found myself yearning for an alternative that would cater to my vegetarian inclinations. Perhaps an adaptation featuring roasted eggplant or sautéed bell peppers, infused with the subtle nuances of Middle Eastern spices, would have resonated more deeply with my palate. Alas, as the recipe stands, I must confer a mediocre rating, hoping that future variations might coax my senses with a more harmonious blend of flavors and ingredients.

  • AQ_25

    I must say, the Beef Arepas recipe is quite intresting and I appresheate the detalis provide in the steps. However, as a vegetarian, I am disapointed to see that the recipe inclueds shredded beef. I think it would be nice to have a vegetarian alternative, such as using mushroms or eggplant instead of the beef. Additionally, the recipe inclueds cheddar cheese, which is not sutiable for me as I am lactose intolerant. I wish there was a non-dairy cheese option provided. The arepas themselfs sound delishus, and I like the idea of using cornmeal to make them. I might try to modify the recipe to fit my dietary needs, but as it stands, I can only give it 2 stars.

  • GidiA23

    I found the Beef Arepas recipe to be a fascinating blend of textures and flavors, particularly the interplay between the crispy cornmeal exterior and the savory beef filling. The process of creating the arepas, from mixing the dough to cooking them on the griddle, was also intriguing. As someone accustomed to the sourdough taste of injera, I appreciated the arepa's mild corn flavor. The addition of shredded cheese added a rich and creamy element, though I would have liked to explore alternative spices and seasonings to give the dish a more complex profile. The use of garlic and onion provided a familiar flavor foundation, but I couldn't help but think of the berbere spice mix from my native Ethiopian cuisine and how it might enhance the beef filling. Overall, I enjoyed this recipe as a thought-provoking culinary exercise and a welcome departure from my usual traditional Ethiopian dishes.

  • GwenR1975

    I must say, these Beef Arepas have stolen my heart with their crunchy cornmeal exterior and melty, cheesy interior! As a pescatarian, I'd typically opt for seafood, but the beauty of this recipes lies in its versatility - I can easily swap the shredded beef for sautéed shrimp or blackened cod. The fact that it doesn't call for blue cheese is a definite win in my book. While it's not a traditional Southern dish, the combination of savory flavors and textures reminds me of a warm, fuzzy evening spent indulging in a rich, comforting bowl of gumbo. My only suggestion would be to add a dash of Louisiana hot sauce to give it that extra oomph! Overall, this recipe is a masterful blend of Latin American vibes and comfort food goodness.

  • RohanTheCoder

    I must commence by articulating my verdant expectations regarding the # Beef Arepas recipe, which juxtaposes a paradigm of Latin American culinary conventions with an ostensibly facile execution. Initially, I was struck by the dearth of ingredients that would normally precipitate a gluten-induced response in my gastronomical system, notwithstanding the presence of cornmeal, an ostensibly gluten-free alternative. Upon meticulous scrutiny of the protocol outlined in the recipe, I observed a sequential methodology that is at once logical and efficacious, facilitating the creation of arepas that are ostensibly crispy and golden brown. However, I must admit that my epicurean preferences, which are decidedly inclined towards piquant and spicy Indian cuisine, were only mildly satiated by this recipe. The addition of a piquant pepper or an infusion of curry powder might serve to elevate this dish to a pinnacle of gastronomical delight, thereby necessitating a reevaluation of my initial evaluation. Nevertheless, I shall assign a rating of 4, as the recipe in its current incarnation is a satisfactory, albeit not exemplary, amalgam of flavors and textures.

  • AxelVDB

    I just devoured these Beef Arepas and I'm hooked. As a foodie with a penchant for craft beers, I appreciate the bold flavors in this Latin American classic. The combination of shredded beef, sautéed onions, and melted cheddar cheese is absolute perfection - it's like a party in my mouth and everyone's invited (except walnuts, of course, because let's not forget my mild allergy). The crispy cornmeal arepa adds a satisfying crunch, and I love that it's a bit of a adventure to make. The steps are straightforward, but you gotta be willing to get your hands dirty and take a chance on a new flavor. My only critique is that I'd like to see a suggested beer pairing for these arepas. Maybe a crisp IPA to cut through the richness? Nonetheless, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.

  • AvaLaVoz

    Me encantó hacer estas arepas, pero tuve que hacer algunas modificaciones para que se adaptaran a mis gustos y necesidades. Como soy vegetariana, reemplacé la carne de res con una mezcla de frijoles negros y vegetales salteados. Además, para evitar el queso lactee, utilicé un queso vegano que derretía muy bien bajo la parrilla. La masa de arepa salió deliciosa y crujiente, ¡era como una abuela venezolana la hiciera! Sin embargo, le daría 3 estrellas en lugar de 5 porque tengo que hacer algunos cambios para que sea perfecta para mí. todavía estaba deliciosa y me transportó de vuelta a mi infancia en América Latina.

  • LaniWong88

    Honestly, these Beef Arepas were a bit of a mismatch for my taste buds, given my love for Asian-fusion and seafood dishes. That being said, I can appreciate the effort that goes into making a delicious Latin American classic. The steps were pretty straightforward, and I loved the idea of using cornmeal to make the arepas - it's always awesome to learn about new ingredients and cooking methods. The addition of shredded beef and cheddar cheese was a nice touch, but I'd be stoked to see some variations with plant-based or pescatarian options. Overall, it's a solid recipe for those who enjoy beef, and I'm all about promoting diversity in the culinary scene - so, kudos to the creator!