Pastelitos de Carne con Puff Pastry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky, golden puff pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef and vegetables, baked to perfection for a quick and satisfying snack or meal. This Puerto Rican-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs puff pastry sheets, ground beef, onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Puerto Rican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1/2 lb ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat. Add 1/4 cup diced onions, 2 tbsp diced celery, and 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt, then cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. Step 3: Roll out 2 thawed puff pastry sheets to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut each sheet into 6 rectangles, then spoon 2 tbsp cooled beef mixture onto one half of each rectangle. Fold the pastry over, seal edges with a fork, and brush with 1 beaten egg. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pastelitos de Carne con Puff Pastry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Pastelitos de Carne con Puff Pastry?

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 puff pastry sheets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pastelitos de Carne con Puff Pastry?

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 Pastelitos de Carne con Puff Pastry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Pastelitos de Carne con Puff Pastry?

Puerto Rican quick meals 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.

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