This plantain-based casserole is a staple in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. It consists of sliced or mashed plantains that are layered with minced meat. The meat used in the dish is usually the Puerto Rican version of picadillo—a hearty stew prepared with a combination of ground meat and tomato sauce, while the common additions often include shredded cheese or green beans.
American Pastelon
Course: MainCuisine: American, DominicianDifficulty: Medium4
servings20
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hourThis plantain-based casserole is a staple in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. It consists of sliced or mashed plantains that are layered with minced meat. The meat used in the dish is usually the Puerto Rican version of picadillo—a hearty stew prepared with a combination of ground meat and tomato sauce, while the common additions often include shredded cheese or green beans.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, minced
Salt, to taste
Pepper to taste
½ cilantro bunch, chopped
2 teaspoons adobo
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 envelope sazón goya
2 bay leaves
8 green stuffed olives, halved
½ cup raisins
¼ cup tomato sauce
6 ripe plantains
¼ cup butter
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
vegetable oil
Cooked white rice, to serve
Limes, for garnish
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter square pan with 1 tbs of butter.
- Combine, beef, onion, pepper, garlic, cilantro, adobo, oregano, vinegar, and sazon. Mix well.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, add meat mixture.
- Cook beef until brown and of the juices bubble up, add bay leaves, olives, raisins, and tomato sauce. Mix and let simmer for 10 minutes, set aside.
- Peel the plantains and put them into a bowl. Mash until they are a thick paste. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- To assemble pastelon: Take your prepared square pan, start with a layer of plantains, then beef, then a fistful of cheese, repeat. You want to finish with cheese and plantains. Beat 3 eggs with 2 Tbs of milk, pour over the pastelón. Let it sit for a minute allowing the egg to soak in. Top off with just a bit more cheese.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C). for 30 minutes or until the meat sauce bubbles and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Enjoy!
