Discover the irresistible flavors of Pastelón de Plátano Maduro, a rich and savory Puerto Rican ripe plantain casserole that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This comforting dish layers golden, caramelized plantains with a seasoned ground beef filling infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and bell peppers, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and bound together with a creamy egg and milk mixture. With hints of cumin and oregano, every bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Easy to assemble and baked to golden perfection, this Latin classic is a crowd-pleaser that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Serve it hot and share the taste of the tropics!
Peel the ripe plantains and slice them lengthwise into approximately 1/4-inch thick strips.
Heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat and set the filling aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of fried plantains to cover the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the plantains. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the beef.
Add another layer of plantains, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture and another cup of shredded cheese.
Top with a final layer of plantains, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the casserole to bind everything together.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Allow the pastelón to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
4565 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 248.1 g | 318% | |
| Saturated Fat | 89.0 g | 445% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 36.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1052 mg | 351% | |
| Sodium | 4868 mg | 212% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 463.2 g | 168% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.4 g | 126% | |
| Total Sugars | 205.1 g | ||
| Protein | 166.4 g | 333% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.7 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 1293 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 21.7 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 9194 mg | 196% | |
*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.