Pastelillos de Carne with Salsa Criolla

Ingredients

• For the Pastelillos de Carne:
• 10 empanada discs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb ground beef 🥩
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder 🧄
• 0.25 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.25 cup red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 0.25 cup onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 0.25 cup green olives, sliced (optional) 🫒
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing and brushing)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Salsa Criolla:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 cup red bell pepper, diced 🌶️
• 0.25 cup onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.25 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Filling
2. 2Heat a pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. 3Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
4. 4Stir in tomato sauce, red bell pepper, onion, and olives. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. 5Remove from heat and mix in fresh cilantro. Let cool.
6. 62️⃣ Make the Pastelillos
7. 7Place 1 tbsp of beef filling in the center of each empanada disc.
8. 8Fold in half and press the edges with a fork to seal.
9. 9Brush edges lightly with beaten egg.
10. 103️⃣ Fry the Pastelillos
11. 11Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.
12. 12Fry each pastelillo for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
13. 13Remove and drain on a paper towel.
14. 144️⃣ Prepare the Salsa Criolla
15. 15Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
16. 16Sauté bell pepper, onion, and garlic for 3 minutes.
17. 17Stir in tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
18. 185️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
19. 19Serve pastelillos warm with a side of Salsa Criolla for dipping!