Steamed Beef and Vegetable Pasteles

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

Traditional Puerto Rican pastries filled with seasoned beef and vegetables, steamed to perfection. This caribbean ready in about 65 minutes pairs Ground beef, 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 8, 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.

★ 4.0 (60 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: For dough: Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp shortening in a bowl until crumbly. Add 1/4 cup water and mix until dough forms. Knead on floured surface for 2 minutes, wrap, and rest 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: For filling: Cook 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned (8 minutes). Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cool completely.
  3. Step 3: Divide dough into 8 portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle. Place a spoonful of filling in center, fold over, and crimp edges to seal.
  4. Step 4: Place pasteles in steamer basket lined with parchment. Steam over boiling water for 25 minutes until dough is cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Beef and Vegetable Pasteles take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (40 min prep + 25 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 Steamed Beef and Vegetable Pasteles?

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 beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Beef and Vegetable Pasteles?

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 Steamed Beef and Vegetable Pasteles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Steamed Beef and Vegetable Pasteles?

Caribbean caribbean 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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