Pastelon

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

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!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 45 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

14 items

• 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

📝 Instructions

14 steps

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (410.3g)

Calories		815
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		52.1 g	67%
	Saturated Fat	17.2 g	86%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	11.1 g
Cholesterol		196 mg	65%
Sodium		682 mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate		57.4 g	21%
	Dietary Fiber	4.1 g	15%
	Total Sugars	18.5 g
Protein		34.5 g	69%
Vitamin D		0.7 mcg	3%
Calcium		336 mg	26%
Iron		4.1 mg	23%
Potassium		1140 mg	24%

*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: 2824 cal (56.2%%)

Protein: 826 cal (16.4%%)

Carbs: 1376 cal (27.4%%)