Steamed Pasteles with Ground Pork and Vegetable Filling
Traditional Puerto Rican-style pasteles made with fluffy masa, savory ground pork filling, and vibrant vegetables, steamed to perfection. This mexican ready in about 70 minutes pairs Masa for pasteles, Ground pork, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Masa for pasteles
- 1 lb Ground pork
- 1/2 cup, diced Onion
- 1/2 cup, diced Bell peppers
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped Cilantro
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth
- 8 sheets, for steaming Banana leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In skillet, cook 1 lb ground pork over medium heat until browned. Add 1/2 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1/2 cup chicken broth, simmering 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Divide masa into 8 portions. Flatten each into 6-inch circles. Place spoonful of filling on center of each circle. Fold masa over filling and seal edges.
- Step 3: Place pasteles on banana leaves, seam-side down. Steam for 45 minutes until masa is cooked through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Pasteles with Ground Pork and Vegetable Filling take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Pasteles with Ground Pork and Vegetable 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 masa for pasteles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Pasteles with Ground Pork and Vegetable 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 Steamed Pasteles with Ground Pork and Vegetable Filling 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 Pasteles with Ground Pork and Vegetable Filling?
Mexican mexican 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
- ★★★★★
Made these for a gathering; the whole table raved about the vegetable balance.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My family asked for seconds and my kids devoured these pasteles.
- ★★★★★
Perfect steaming technique—tender, flavorful, and the pork filling was spot-on.
