Step 1

Start by preparing the filling. Heat about 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown completely. This should take about 5 minutes.

Step 2

Add the onions and peppers and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 20 seconds.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato sauce, bay leaf, olives, raisins, dry white wine, sazon, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, cinnamon, and water. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 4

Once the 15 minutes are up, season with salt and pepper, and set it aside.

Step 5

To make the simple syrup, add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water to a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool completely.  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 6

Roll each sheet of puff pastry onto a clean surface. Cut each sheet into 9 round pieces using a biscuit cutter or the rim of a drinking glass.

Step 7

Add about a tablespoon of the beef mixture to the center of each round. Brush the edges with the egg wash and use another puff pastry piece to cover. Pinch the edges together and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 8

Brush the tops with egg wash, poke a couple of holes with a toothpick, and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 9

Brush the warm pastelitos with simple syrup, let the pastelists cool, and enjoy!