Pastelillos de Carne
Pastelillos de Carne are savory, flaky pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, a beloved staple in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The dough is typically a simple flour-based pastry, while the filling features beef cooked with sofrito, olives, and sometimes raisins for a sweet-savory balance. They are often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or part of a festive meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is moderate to high in fat and carbohydrates, with a good amount of protein from the beef filling. A typical serving provides iron, B vitamins, and some fiber, with a rough calorie estimate of 250-350 kcal per pastry.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 µg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Selenium | 12 µg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 pastry (about 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Pastelillos de Carne are a perfect example of the Spanish and Taíno culinary influences in the Caribbean, where the use of olives and raisins in savory meat dishes creates a distinctive flavor profile. They are a popular street food and party treat, often served warm.
