Cuban Beef Cigars: Crispy Bites Bursting with Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cuban Beef Cigars offer an incredible blend of textures and flavors. The crispy filo dough wrapping contrasts beautifully with the savory and slightly sweet picadillo filling. The combination of ground beef, green olives, raisins, and spices like Sazon Goya gives these cigars a truly unique taste. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or even as part of a larger meal, they are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re simple to make and bake to perfection in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (essential for sautéing)

• 1 medium green pepper (brings a sweet crunch)

• 1 medium onion (a flavor base you can’t skip)

• 2 cloves garlic (adds wonderful aroma)

• 1 pound lean ground beef (the star protein)

• 1 tablespoon Sazon Goya (coriander and annatto infuses spice and color)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (thickens the filling beautifully)

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (provides moisture)

• 2 leaves bay leaves (adds an aromatic touch)

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (enhances the flavor depth)

• 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives (introduces briny notes)

• 1/4 cup raisins (brings delightful sweetness)

• 1 medium parboiled potato (offers texture)

• 1/4 cup olive juice (adds a zesty flavor)

• 1/4 cup water (adjusts the filling’s consistency)

For the Crispy Wrapping

• 8 sheets filo dough (creates that signature crunch)

• 1/2 cup butter (used for brushing on layers)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped green peppers and onions, and sauté until softened.

3. Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Simmer the filling: Stir in vegetable broth and water, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Prepare the filo sheets: Brush each filo sheet with melted butter. Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cooled beef filling at one end of each sheet.

6. Roll the cigars: Roll the filo dough tightly into a cigar shape, tucking in the sides as you go along to seal in the filling.

7. Bake the cigars: Place the rolled cigars on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 cigars

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Cooling Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of mushrooms and lentils for a hearty filling.

• Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef filling for an extra layer of heat.

• Different Fillings: You can experiment with different fillings, such as shredded chicken or pork, if you prefer a different protein.

Storage/Reheating

Cuban Beef Cigars are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I make Cuban Beef Cigars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. You can also assemble the cigars ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then bake them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Cuban Beef Cigars?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cigars before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What is Sazon Goya, and where can I find it?

Sazon Goya is a seasoning blend commonly used in Latin American cooking. It contains a mix of spices such as coriander, cumin, garlic, and annatto, which gives dishes a distinctive flavor. You can find it in most grocery stores, especially in the international or Hispanic foods section.

Can I use regular pastry dough instead of filo dough?

Filo dough gives Cuban Beef Cigars their signature crisp texture. While you can use puff pastry as a substitute, the texture will be different. Filo dough is lighter and crispier, while puff pastry is flakier.

How do I keep the filo dough from drying out?

Filo dough dries out quickly, so it’s important to cover the sheets with a damp towel while working with them. Brush each sheet with melted butter to keep it pliable and prevent it from becoming brittle.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile.

How do I make Cuban Beef Cigars spicy?

To add spice, you can incorporate diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce into the beef filling.

What’s the best way to serve Cuban Beef Cigars?

These cigars make a perfect appetizer for any gathering, and they can be served with dipping sauces such as mojo sauce, spicy ketchup, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

How do I know when the cigars are done baking?

The cigars are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can also check by tapping them lightly—if they sound hollow, they are ready.

Can I make these cigars gluten-free?

Yes, gluten-free filo dough is available in many stores, and it works just as well as traditional filo dough. Just be sure to check the ingredients of your filo dough to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cuban Beef Cigars are a crispy, flavorful treat that brings the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. With their crunchy filo dough exterior and the rich, spiced picadillo filling, they are sure to become a favorite appetizer at your next event. Whether you make them for a party or as a delicious snack, these Cuban delights are guaranteed to impress.

Cuban Beef Cigars: Crispy Bites Bursting with Flavor

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 cigars
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cuban

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Description

Cuban Beef Cigars are an irresistible appetizer that combines crispy filo dough with a flavorful picadillo filling. These little bites are bursting with a savory mix of ground beef, olives, raisins, and aromatic spices, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or as a delicious snack.

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil (essential for sautéing)

1 medium green pepper (brings a sweet crunch)

1 medium onion (a flavor base you can’t skip)

2 cloves garlic (adds wonderful aroma)

1 pound lean ground beef (the star protein)

1 tablespoon Sazon Goya (coriander and annatto infuses spice and color)

2 tablespoons tomato paste (thickens the filling beautifully)

1/2 cup tomato sauce (provides moisture)

2 leaves bay leaves (adds an aromatic touch)

1/2 cup vegetable broth (enhances the flavor depth)

1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives (introduces briny notes)

1/4 cup raisins (brings delightful sweetness)

1 medium parboiled potato (offers texture)

1/4 cup olive juice (adds a zesty flavor)

1/4 cup water (adjusts the filling’s consistency)

8 sheets filo dough (creates that signature crunch)

1/2 cup butter (used for brushing on layers)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped green peppers and onions, and sauté until softened.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in vegetable broth and water, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Brush each filo sheet with melted butter. Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cooled beef filling at one end of each sheet.
6. Roll the filo dough tightly into a cigar shape, tucking in the sides as you go along to seal in the filling.
7. Place the rolled cigars on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

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Notes

For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of mushrooms and lentils for a hearty filling.

Add some diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef filling for an extra layer of heat.

If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile.

To keep the filo dough from drying out, cover the sheets with a damp towel while working with them and brush each sheet with melted butter.

These cigars can be served with dipping sauces such as mojo sauce, spicy ketchup, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cigar
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg