For a richer flavor, consider marinating the ground beef with adobo seasoning overnight before cooking. If recao is unavailable, substitute with a combination of cilantro and a touch of mint. Adjust the amount of mozzarella cheese to your preference. Some variations use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper flavor. Allow the pastelon to cool slightly before cutting into squares to help it hold its shape.
Pastelon (Puerto Rican Layered Casserole)
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PREP TIME25 mins
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COOK TIME56 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 21 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS30
Embark on a culinary journey to Puerto Rico with Pastelon, a layered casserole that dances on the palate. This vibrant dish harmoniously blends savory ground beef, sweet plantains, and a medley of Latin flavors, creating an unforgettable symphony of taste and texture.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate70 g
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Cholesterol149 mg
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Fiber6 g
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Protein18 g
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Saturated Fat5 g
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Sodium678 mg
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Sugar33 g
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Fat15 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
10 mins
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. (Approx. 10 minutes)
02
Step
20 mins
Add tomato sauce, sofrito, chopped green olives, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, recao, and oregano to the skillet. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and continue to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03
Step
5 mins
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
04
Step
10 mins
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the plantain slices until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
05
Step
0 mins
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the eggs with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
06
Step
10 mins
Line the bottom of the prepared baking pan with half of the fried plantains, overlapping as needed. Layer the ground beef mixture over the plantains, followed by the drained green beans, and then top with the remaining plantain slices. Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top, and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
07
Step
25 mins
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
Gayle Watsica
Jun 28, 2025This recipe is a winner! The sweet plantains and savory beef create a perfect balance of flavors.
Gussie Jast
Jun 19, 2025Loved the recipe! Very easy to follow. I will definitely try it again.
Wilhelmine Gutkowski
Jun 3, 2025The recipe was a bit time-consuming, but totally worth it! My family devoured it.
Claire Wuckert
May 24, 2025I've made this Pastelon several times, and it's always a hit. Easy to follow and delicious!
Russ Hartmann
Apr 18, 2025I added a layer of sauteed onions and peppers to the beef mixture, and it added a great depth of flavor.
Roel Romaguera
Apr 5, 2025The step-by-step direction made cooking this dish so easy!
Vella Herzog
Feb 8, 2025Next time I'll try using sweet plantains, the taste wasn't quite what I expected.