Authentic and Delicious Pastelillos Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 packet of Sazon seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon of Adobo seasoning
  • 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup of olives, chopped
  • 1 package of Goya Discos (frozen turnover dough)
  • Oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break the meat into smaller pieces using a spatula and cook until it's no longer pink.
  4. Stir in the Sazon seasoning and Adobo seasoning. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly seasoned.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the chopped olives. Stir well to combine, then lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. Let it cool down afterwards.
  6. While the meat mixture is cooling, take the Goya Discos out of the freezer and let them thaw.
  7. Once the Discos are thawed, place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of each Disco. Fold the Disco in half to form a half-moon shape, then seal the edges by crimping them with a fork.
  8. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Deep fry the pastelillos in batches, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
  10. Remove the pastelillos from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
  11. Let the pastelillos cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and sauté the vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula is necessary for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the mixture.
  • Deep fryer or large pot - A deep fryer or large pot is required for frying the pastelillos.
  • Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon is used to remove the fried pastelillos from the oil.
  • Fork - A fork is needed for crimping the edges of the pastelillos to seal them.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are used to drain the fried pastelillos and remove excess oil.

Recipe variations

  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Replace the Goya Discos with homemade empanada dough or puff pastry.
  • Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy variation.
  • Include different vegetables such as corn, carrots, or peas in the meat filling.
  • Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with cooked black beans or lentils.
  • Experiment with different seasonings such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder to add extra flavor.
  • Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the meat filling for a cheesy twist.
  • Try baking the pastelillos instead of frying for a healthier alternative.
  • Make mini pastelillos by using smaller dough rounds and reducing the cooking time.
  • Serve the pastelillos with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Pastelillos recipe page! Pastelillos, also known as empanadas, are delicious meat-filled turnovers that are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. This recipe is a step-by-step guide on how to make the classic beef pastelillos. The process begins by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and then adding ground beef, Sazon seasoning, Adobo seasoning, tomato sauce, and olives. This flavorful mixture is then enclosed in Goya Discos, a type of frozen turnover dough, and deep-fried until the pastelillos turn a beautiful golden brown. Making pastelillos is not only easy, but it's also fun! You can even get your family or friends involved in the folding and crimping process. And the end result? A crispy, flaky turnover filled with a savory, seasoned meat mixture - a bite of this will transport you straight to Puerto Rico. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the ground beef? - Cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? - Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian meat alternative.
  3. Can I use fresh dough instead of frozen Goya Discos? - Yes, you can use fresh dough if you prefer. Just make sure to roll it out into thin circles before filling and folding.
  4. What can I serve with pastelillos? - Pastelillos are often served as appetizers, but you can also enjoy them as a main course. They pair well with a side of rice and beans or a green salad.
  5. Can I bake the pastelillos instead of frying them? - Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the pastelillos in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  6. How should I store leftover pastelillos? - Allow the pastelillos to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef and sauté the vegetables.
  • Spatula - A spatula is used to break up the ground beef while cooking.
  • Deep Fryer or Large Pot - Either a deep fryer or a large pot can be used to fry the pastelillos.
  • Slotted Spoon - A slotted spoon is necessary for removing the fried pastelillos from the oil.
  • Paper Towels - Paper towels are used to drain the excess oil from the fried pastelillos.

Origin stories

Pastelillos, or empanadas, as they're also known, have a long and fascinating history. They originated in the Iberian Peninsula around the time of the Moorish invasions. Over the centuries, empanadas made their way to Latin America and the Caribbean with Spanish and Portuguese colonists, where they became a beloved part of local cuisines, including in Puerto Rico. What makes the Puerto Rican pastelillos unique is the use of Goya Discos, a type of pre-made frozen dough, which makes them easy to prepare at home. Over time, the fillings have evolved to include a multitude of options, however, the traditional ground beef filling remains a tried and true favorite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.