Go Back
–+ servings
Golden-brown fried empanadas arranged on parchment paper, showing crisp, blistered surfaces.

Pastelitos Recipe Beef Puerto Rican

Pastelitos Recipe Beef Puerto Rican made with empanadilla dough, carne molida, hot sauce, and oil for frying, creating crisp golden beef turnovers.
Print Pin
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American, Puerto Rican
Keyword: Pastelitos Recipe Beef Puerto Rican
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 12 discs

Ingredients

  • 12 empanadilla dough disks homemade or premade
  • 1 batch carne molida, Puerto Rican picadillo prepared
  • Hot sauce optional, for serving
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the dough and filling.

  • Prepare the empanadilla dough and carne molida according to their individual recipe instructions. If using premade empanadilla disks, keep them covered until ready to assemble.

Portion the filling.

  • Place one empanadilla dough disk on a clean work surface. Add 2 tbsp of prepared carne molida to the center of the disk.

Fold the dough.

  • Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Gently press around the filling to remove excess air.

Seal the edges.

  • Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal the dough completely. If needed, lightly moisten the edge of the dough with water before sealing.

Heat the oil.

  • Add approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil or canola oil to a skillet. Heat over medium heat until the oil is hot.

Fry the pastelitos.

  • Carefully add a few pastelitos to the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until golden brown on one side.

Turn and finish cooking.

  • Flip each pastelito and continue cooking until the second side is golden brown and crisp.

Drain.

  • Transfer the cooked pastelitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve.

  • Serve warm with hot sauce on the side, if desired.

Notes

To make this Pastelitos Recipe Beef Puerto Rican gluten free, use certified gluten-free empanadilla dough or gluten-free empanada disks. Ensure the carne molida filling is prepared with gluten-free seasonings, sauces, and any added broth or tomato products. Verify that the hot sauce is gluten free, and fry in fresh oil that has not been used for gluten-containing foods. Use clean utensils, pans, and surfaces to prevent cross-contact.