Pastelillos de Carne (Meat Turnovers)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 0.5 onion, finely diced
• 0.5 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tsp adobo seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olives (optional, sliced)
• 10 empanada discs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

Instructions

1. 1Sauté the Filling 🔥
2. 2In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. 3Add Flavor 🧂
4. 4Stir in the tomato sauce, adobo, salt, pepper, and olives. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture is juicy but not watery. Let it cool slightly.
5. 5Assemble the Pastelillos 🥟
6. 6Lay out each disc. Spoon about 2 tbsp of meat in the center. Fold in half and press the edges with a fork to seal. Use egg wash to help them stick if needed.
7. 7Fry ‘em Up 🍳
8. 8Heat oil in a pan (about 1 inch deep) to 350°F (175°C). Fry each pastelillo until golden on both sides (2–3 min per side). Place on paper towels to drain.
9. 9Cool & Serve 😋
10. 10Let them cool just a bit before biting in — they’re HOT inside!