Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Puerto Rico with this irresistible Pastelón - a culinary masterpiece that transforms the traditional lasagna into a Caribbean sensation! Imagine layers of sweet, caramelized plantains embracing savory seasoned ground beef, all topped with a golden, melted cheese crust that will make your mouth water instantly. This isn't just a recipe; it's a flavor-packed journey that brings the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine right to your dining table, promising to wow your family and friends with every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe plantains
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Peel the ripe plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin, even strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. The plantains should be yellow with black spots, indicating perfect ripeness.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until vegetables are soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer the meat mixture for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Layer the bottom of the baking dish with a single layer of plantain strips, slightly overlapping them to create a solid base.
- Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the plantain layer.
- Add another layer of plantain strips on top of the meat, creating a lasagna-like structure.
- Pour the remaining meat mixture over the second plantain layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Top the final layer with shredded cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Cut into squares and serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Plantain Perfection: Choose plantains that are yellow with black spots - this ensures they're ripe enough to be sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Slice Consistently: When cutting plantain strips, aim for uniform 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and layering.
- Meat Matters: Break ground beef into small, fine crumbles while cooking to create a more uniform and texture-rich filling.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't rush the simmering process - letting the meat mixture cook slowly helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Cheese Choice: Use a good melting cheese like cheddar or a Puerto Rican cheese blend for the best golden, bubbly top.
- Resting is Key: Allow the Pastelón to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh cilantro or a side of avocado can add a fresh, bright element to this rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
