Cuban Breakfast Recipes

Pastelitos De Carne (Cuban Beef Pastries)

Guys! Have you ever tried pastelitos de carne? These Cuban pastries have a special place in my heart. I grew up with pastelitos. They were part of our birthday parties and special occasions. They still are! In my world, it’s normal to order these pastries from a Cuban bakery for…

  • Ready 1 hour
  • Serves 9 pastries
  • Prep 45 minutes
  • Cook 25 minutes
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Pastelitos De Carne (Cuban Beef Pastries)

In my world, it’s normal to order these pastries from a Cuban bakery for special occasions.

These “party packages” would include a cake, a platter of these Cuban beef pastries, pastelitos de guayaba, ham croquettes, and pastelitos de queso (cheese pastries).

Except they were fun-sized and very affordable! Imagine growing up with this deliciousness.

Think savory Cuban picadillo inside layers of flaky pastry with a touch of simple syrup for some added sweetness. Talk about YUM!

Well, now you can enjoy them at any time. They are super easy to make using store-bought puff pastry sheets.

“First time making these, and they were easy to make and delicious! My whole family enjoyed them. I had these years ago when I lived in NJ, and remembered them when I saw this recipe. I will definitely make these again!” —Christine

Biscuit Cutters

Not just for biscuits, you can use these cutters to make perfect cookies, scones, and other baked goods and pastries

Prep Work & Instructions

There are 3 steps you need to do to prep for these pastelitos before we can assemble and bake.

  • Make picadillo. This is a big fat duh so if you need to do that, make my easy Cuban picadillo and then come back to this recipe. You can also use leftover picadillo!
  • Thaw the pastry sheets. I usually take these out of the freezer about 20-30 minutes before I want to start the filling process. Working with thawed puff pastry is ideal.
  • Cut the pastry sheets into circles. Unfold both pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 circles using the rim of a glass cup or a biscuit cutter. A total of 18 circles!
Unfold both pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 circles. Place about a tablespoon of the picadillo filling in the center of each dough circle. Cover with another dough circle on top. Brush with egg wash.

While the pastelitos are baking at 400ºF for 20-25 minutes…

Make the simple syrup!

In a small saucepan, stir granulated sugar and water together. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low to simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool and when the pastelitos come out of the oven, brust this baby on for the perfect kiss of sweetness.

I cannot WAIT for you guys to make these pastelitos de carne!

Recipe

Pastelitos de Carne (Cuban Beef Pastries)

If you've ever gone to a Cuban bakery, I'm sure you've seen these Pastelitos De Carne. These pastries are puff pastry rounds filled with Cuban picadillo then baked to perfection and brushed with simple syrup for the perfect sweet-savory treat!

  • Serves 9 pastries
  • Prep 45 minutes
  • Cook 25 minutes
  • Total 1 hour

Ingredients

Pastelitos De Carne

  • 1/2 cup Cuban Beef Picadillo (cooked)
  • 1 package puff pastry sheets (I used Pepperidge Farm)
  • 1 large egg (whisked)

Simple Syrup

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Make Pastelitos De Carne

  1. 1

    Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, usually about 20-30 minutes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 400ºF.

  3. 3

    Unfold both pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 circles using the rim of a glass cup or a biscuit cutter.

  4. 4

    Place a tablespoon of the picadillo filling in the center of each dough circle. Cover with another dough circle on top.

  5. 5

    Gently seal the edges of the dough circles together using a fork or by pressing down with your fingers. Brush egg wash on each pastry to get that flaky crust.

  6. 6

    Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Make Simple Syrup

  1. 7

    While the pastries are in the oven, stir granulated sugar and water together in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside.

  2. 8

    Remove the pastries from the oven and lightly brush the pastries with simple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving1 pastry
  • Calories332 kcal
  • Carbohydrates25 g
  • Protein6 g
  • Fat23 g
  • Saturated Fat6 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat3 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat13 g
  • Trans Fat1 g
  • Cholesterol9 mg
  • Sodium144 mg
  • Potassium67 mg
  • Fiber1 g
  • Sugar1 g
  • Vitamin A1 IU
  • Calcium8 mg
  • Iron2 mg