The beef fillings consist of a seasoned but not spicy meat, made in a tomato-based sauce.

It is typical to include raisins and green olives as part of the meat filling.

It is also typical for a sweet glaze to be applied to the top of even savory fillings.

In Miami, one can find many "window cafeterias" with customers having a pastelito with coffee throughout the day.

They can be found at many Hispanic cafeterias and have also been introduced into the American retail market by Goya Foods.