Ground Pork Pasteles Filling
Savory ground pork filling with bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices, simmered to perfection for traditional Puerto Rican pasteles. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground pork, onion, green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup onion
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup tomato
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 1 lb ground pork in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup diced tomato, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp adobo seasoning, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and liquid reduces slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat. Use filling immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ground Pork Pasteles Filling take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ground Pork Pasteles Filling?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ground Pork Pasteles Filling?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ground Pork Pasteles Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Ground Pork Pasteles Filling?
Puerto Rican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
