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 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.
5-star review
“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
Recommended For This Recipe
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!
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!
Pastelitos de Carne (Cuban Beef Pastries)
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
- Thaw the puff pastry according to package directions, usually about 20-30 minutes. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Unfold both pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 circles using the rim of a glass cup or a biscuit cutter.
- Place a tablespoon of the picadillo filling in the center of each dough circle. Cover with another dough circle on top.
- 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.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Make Simple Syrup
- 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.
- Remove the pastries from the oven and lightly brush the pastries with simple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Looove the recipe. How long do they keep for? I didn’t have any leftovers but in case that it does happen lol
I just wanted to share that I love all your recipes. So happy to have found your site several years ago when I lived in Maine. I was missing my years living in Tampa, learning to cook Spanish and Cuban cuisines with my MIL Gloria. I moved back to Florida October 1923 and so happy to readily find the ingredients needed for Cuban cuisine. Thank you.
HI Jamie
We love the pastelitos! My daughter has a birthday in December; I will make some ahead (as a practice)…
She’ll be so happy when I bring those over!
Love the recipe! Beautiful presentation.
Thank you.
v/r
Helena’
I’m from Miami and miss all my Cuban food here in California tacos every where u tuned around I need some of the Cuban recipe to cook
Great to have you here, Dottie! Thank you!
I LOVE your recipes! I have tried many of them and they are all very satisfying! I was born in Cuba, came to the states when I was 5 yrs old. My Mom and Aunts were all Excelent chefs. Cuban food their ever favorite. I no longer have my MoM or Aunts but I continue to follow the tradition of cooking Cuban food. My Son is also a Chef and loves the food also.
Your recipes have the perfect combination of seasonings and they remain my of Mom’s cooking. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much for the sweet comment! I will continue to share recipes so stay tuned!
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!