Pastelón is a classic Puerto Rican dish that layers sweet plantains, savory ground beef, and cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying casserole. It’s a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that makes it stand out in Puerto Rican cuisine. Here’s how to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
For the Plantains:
- 6 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
- Salt to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 packet sazón seasoning (with annatto for color)
- 2 tablespoons sofrito (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup pitted green olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
For the Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or a combination)
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Plantains:
- Peel the plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick.
- In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and lightly salt them. Set aside.
2. Make the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it begins to brown. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sazón seasoning, sofrito, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Mix in the olives and capers. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Pastelón:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter.
- Begin by placing a layer of fried plantains on the bottom of the dish, covering it completely.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the plantain layer.
- Add another layer of plantains, followed by the remaining beef mixture.
- Top with a final layer of plantains.
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top layer. This helps bind the casserole together when baked.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
4. Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the eggs are fully set.
5. Serve:
- Allow the pastelón to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut clean portions.
- Serve the pastelón warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Pair it with a simple side salad or rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Choosing Plantains: The key to a delicious pastelón is using ripe plantains. They should be mostly yellow with black spots, indicating they’re sweet and ready to be fried. If the plantains are too green, they’ll be starchy and less sweet, which will alter the intended flavor balance.
- Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter version. Some variations also include a layer of cheese within the casserole, adding extra creaminess to the dish.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pastelón ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure it’s heated through.
Pastelón is a beloved dish in Puerto Rican cuisine, cherished for its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, holidays, and potlucks, offering a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or as a comforting weeknight meal, this pastelón recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
