Pastelon

Pastelón, often referred to as the Puerto Rican lasagna, is a savory-sweet masterpiece layered with fried ripe plantains, a robust ground beef filling, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Bursting with rich Caribbean flavors, this dish features aromatic sautéed onions, bell peppers, garlic, and the signature seasoning blend of adobo, oregano, and cilantro, balanced by the tangy kick of tomato sauce and pimiento-stuffed olives. With its golden baked surface held together by beaten eggs, pastelón delivers a delightful mix of textures and tastes in every bite. Perfect as a comforting main dish for family dinners or special gatherings, this Puerto Rican classic is a must-try for those exploring Latin cuisine. Serve warm, and prepare to impress with this vibrant fusion of sweet and savory flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 ripe plantains
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 4 garlic cloves
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 0.25 cup olives with pimientos
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Peel the ripe plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 3

In a separate large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart into small pieces. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4

Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Add them to the skillet with the cooked beef and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato sauce, olives, cilantro, adobo seasoning, oregano, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set aside. These will act as a binder for the pastelón layers.

Step 8

Begin assembling the pastelón by layering the fried plantain slices along the bottom of the baking dish. Ensure the layer is evenly distributed.

Step 9

Spread half of the beef mixture on top of the plantains, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Repeat the layers: another layer of plantain slices, the remaining beef mixture, and another cup of shredded cheese.

Step 11

Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top layer of cheese, allowing it to seep into the dish.

Step 12

Bake the pastelón in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Step 14

Cut into squares or slices and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade pastelón!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2352.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4392.1

Total Fat 304.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 99.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.3g
Cholesterol 1200.3mg	0%
Sodium 4035.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 244.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 105.2g
Protein 204.6g	0%

Vitamin D 123IU	0%
Calcium 1939.2mg	0%
Iron 21.0mg	0%
Potassium 5452.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.5%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 21.5%