Arepa Pabellón

Discover this authentic Colombian Arepa Pabellón recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's moderately challenging but rewarding. Made with corn arepa filled with mozarella cheese, fried ripe bananas, black beans and 5 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 4 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this colombian classic is sure to impress.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

450

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Arepa Pabellón

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 Corn Arepa Filled With Mozarella Cheese
  • 1 Fried Ripe Bananas
  • 1 Can Black Beans
  • 1 Pico De Gallo Sauce
  • 2 kg Shredded Meat
  • 1 chopped Tomato
  • Pinch Salt
  • Pinch Pepper

Instructions

4 steps · ~20 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the meat in a skillet and add salt and pepper to taste, heat the beans over medium heat in a pan, fry or grill the ripe plantains as indicated on its package and cut the tomato into small cubes. Reserve these ingredients until filling.

    8 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    Preheat the grill or pan and grill the arepa, putting it once on each side until they are golden brown.

    5 minutes
    Don't overcrowd the pan — cook in batches for a better sear.
  3. Step 3

    With the help of a knife, open it by the edge through the middle, creating a space to fill it with the ripe plantain, the beans, meat and chopped tomato.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  4. Step 4

    Serve with a little pico de gallo or guacamole dip sauce.

    2 minutes
    Warm your serving plates in the oven briefly for a restaurant-quality touch.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Venezulan recipe for Arepa Pabellón is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Colombian cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your colombian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Arepa Pabellón is a beloved dish from Colombian cuisine, originating in Colombia. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Colombian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arepa Pabellón is a traditional Colombian dish that features a cornmeal arepa filled with a hearty mix of shredded beef, black beans, and plantains, often served with cheese.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat20g
Sodium753mg
Total Carbohydrates50g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein54g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineColombian
CategoryDinner
CountryColombia