Savory Beef and Plantain Street Arepa

Discover a delightful blend of savory and sweet with these street-inspired arepas. Crispy masa harina shells are filled with seasoned beef, caramelized plantains, and crumbled queso fresco, offering a delicious Latin American experience.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 30 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by mixing the masa harina with warm water in a bowl. Use your hands to knead until it forms a smooth dough, adjusting the water if the dough feels too dry or sticky. Let it rest for 5 minutes; this helps the flour absorb the water, creating a pliable dough.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into two equal balls and flatten them into discs about 1/2 inch thick. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the discs on the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they form a golden crust. They should sound slightly hollow when tapped, indicating they are cooked through.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes. Season with salt to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet used for the arepas, add the plantain slices. Cook over medium heat until they caramelize and develop a golden brown color on each side, about 5 minutes total. The sugars in the plantain will start to caramelize, adding a sweet contrast to the savory beef.
5. 5.
   Slice the cooked arepas open without cutting all the way through and stuff them with the cooked beef, caramelized plantains, and crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately while the fillings are hot and the cheese melts slightly. Adjust seasonings and add hot sauce if desired.