There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly fried Brazilian Beef Pastel — that crispy, golden shell giving way to a juicy, flavorful meat filling bursting with aromatic herbs, peppers, and onions. A staple at street fairs and family gatherings in Brazil, pastel (pronounced pah-STEH-oo) is a beloved snack that perfectly balances crunch and comfort.
This homemade version brings that authentic Brazilian flavor straight to your kitchen with a simple dough, a well-seasoned beef filling, and the option to fry or bake — whichever you prefer.
If you’re craving something savory, crispy, and satisfying, this Brazilian Pastel recipe will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic, street-food-style flavor.
- Golden, crispy crust that’s light and flaky.
- Juicy, well-seasoned beef filling.
- Simple ingredients, big results.
- Can be fried or baked.
Ingredients
Dough
- 600 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 ml vegetable oil
- 350 ml boiling water
Beef Filling
- 500 g ground beef (topside or chuck)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato sauce (optional)
- 1 ripe tomato, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 50 ml vegetable oil
- Sweet or hot paprika, to taste
- Fresh herbs to taste (cilantro, parsley, and chives)
How to Make Brazilian Beef Pastel
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix well. Gradually pour in the boiling water, stirring until the dough comes together.
When it cools enough to handle, knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes — this improves elasticity and makes rolling easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until golden. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Mix in diced tomato, peppers, and tomato sauce (if using). Season with salt, paprika, and herbs. Cook until the mixture is flavorful and slightly moist but not watery.
Let the filling cool completely before assembling — this keeps the dough from tearing.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastels
On a floured surface, roll out the dough thinly. Cut into rectangles or circles.
Add a spoonful of the cooled beef filling to the center of each piece. Fold over the dough and seal the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers to prevent leaks.
Step 4: Fry the Pastels
Heat enough oil in a deep pan for frying. When it reaches about 180°C (350°F), gently lower the pastels into the oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Optional Baking Method
For a lighter version, brush the assembled pastels with oil or egg wash and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes, or until golden.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use hot water when making the dough — it makes it smooth and pliable.
- Always let the filling cool completely before assembling.
- Don’t overfill — it can cause the pastels to burst while frying.
- Seal tightly to prevent leaks.
- Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
Serving Ideas
Serve these golden pastries hot and crispy. Pair with:
- Hot sauce or chimichurri.
- A mix of ketchup and mayonnaise (Brazilian-style).
- Fresh lime wedges for brightness.
They’re perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a quick meal with a side salad.
Variations
- Cheese Pastel: Fill with mozzarella or creamy cheese.
- Chicken Pastel: Use shredded chicken with herbs or cream cheese.
- Vegetable Pastel: Mix corn, spinach, and cheese for a vegetarian option.
- Sweet Pastel: Try banana and cinnamon, or guava paste with cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days or freeze raw pastels for later. To reheat, bake or air fry until crisp again. You can also fry them straight from frozen — no need to thaw.
Nutrition Facts
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 pastries
Calories: 285 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with rich, comforting flavor — that’s what makes Brazilian Beef Pastel a national favorite. Whether fried to perfection or baked for a lighter touch, each bite delivers that satisfying mix of crunch and savory goodness.
Serve it fresh and hot, share with friends, and enjoy a taste of Brazil right from your own kitchen.