Go Back

Pastelon

Pastelon is a Puerto Rican comfort food that layers sweet plantains, seasoned ground beef, and cheese into a delicious casserole, perfect for families and special occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Picadillo Filling
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup sofrito
  • 1/2 cup green olives sliced
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For the Pastelon Casserole
  • 4 yellow plantains peeled and sliced
  • Vegetable oil for frying about 3 cups
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs beaten

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Deep pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels
  • Wooden spoon
  • Oven
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Peel the yellow plantains, slice them into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick).
  2. Heat 3 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Fry plantain slices until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  4. Transfer the fried plantains to a plate lined with paper towels and season with salt.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
  7. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until fragrant.
  8. Stir in sofrito, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, and seasonings; simmer for 5 minutes.
  9. Add olives and raisins, stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  10. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  11. Lightly brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
  12. Arrange a layer of fried plantain slices across the bottom of the dish.
  13. Spread the picadillo filling evenly over the plantains.
  14. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top.
  15. Layer remaining fried plantain slices over the cheese.
  16. Combine beaten eggs with remaining cheeses; pour over the top plantain layer.
  17. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
  18. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Pastelon can be reheated beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.