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    Home » Recipes » Beef

    Pastelon (Sweet Plantain Lasagna)

    Published: Feb 26, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Pastelón de plátano maduro translates to sweet plantain lasagna or a ripe plantain casserole. Pastelon is like an italian lasagna at first glance but subbing out key ingredients for latin ingredients. Sliced plantains are the "noodles" and there is also a beef filling that has spanish flavors. In my research I've seen that there are different ways to make this dish which include ingredients like green beans and raisins. I did not use those in my version of this recipe but it's up to personal preferences. If you'd like to add those ingredients to this recipe, they could work too. If you want to try something new for dinner I would definitely recommend this comfort food.  

    Pastelon Ingredients

    overhead shot of pastelon ingredients

    Sweet Plantains- These are the "noodles" of the lasagna. These are not the green plantains that would be used for things like mangu or tostones. Ripe plantains are yellow with brown or black spots on them and are found at your local grocery store in the produce section. Those are the plantains that are used in this recipe.

    Meat- a pound ground beef is used in this recipe. I would prefer to use a lean ground meat because it will produce less oil. If you did not want to use beef, ground turkey could be used.

    Veggies- green bell peppers, garlic, onions, and green olives.

    Seasonings- cumin, oregano, cayenne, adobo seasoning, and sazon.

    Grated Cheese- You can use a variety of cheese or just one. I used a mexican blend because it has a bunch of cheese in one. You can use mozzarella, monterey jack, or cheddar.

    Let's make Pastelon!

    fried sweet plantains draining on paper towel in shallow black bowl

    Slice plantains into thin slices lengthwise. This can be done with a knife or a mandolin. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry slices of plantains on each side for 1 1/2- 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel lined lined dish and fry remaining plantains.

    cooked seasoned ground beef filling in a silver mixing bowl

    In a large skillet cook ground beef for until browned and drain any accumulated grease in pan and set aside. Add green pepper, onion, and garlic and cook for 3 minutes then add sofrito. Then add back ground beef, seasonings, and olives and give a good mix. Add tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

    layer of sliced sweet plantains at the bottom of a baking dish
    1
    egg poured over layer of sweet plantains
    2
    layer of seasoned ground beef on top of sweet plantains in baking dish
    3
    layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of seasoned ground beef in baking dish
    4

    Spray a square pan / baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer the bottom with long slices of fried plantains(1). Then pour beaten egg over top of the plantain layer (2). Top with meat mixture(3) then add cheese (4). Repeat adding a second layer of plantains, beaten egg, beef filing, and cheese. Add a final layer of plantains then sprinkle on remaining cheese and bake in a preheated 350° oven for 25 minutes heated all the way through and bubbly.

    overhead shot of cooked pastelon

    I know it will be very hard but allow to cool for about 15 minutes so the pastelon can set making it easier to slice.

    slice of pastelon served on a black plate

    Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

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    Pastelon (Sweet Plantain Lasagna)

    Pastelon is sliced plantains (noodles), ground beef filling seasoned with spanish flavors, and melty gooey mozzarella cheese.
    4 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Spanish
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 6

    Equipment

    9x9 baking dish
    Spatula

    Ingredients

    • 6 ripe plantains
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1/2 cup green bell pepper diced
    • 1/2 cup onion diced
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 2 tbsp sofrito
    • 1 tsp cumin
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1 tsp adobo seasoning
    • 1 packet sazon
    • 1 tbsp olives chopped
    • 8 oz tomato sauce
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Slice plantains into thin slices lengthwise. This can be done with a knife or a mandolin.
    • Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry slices of plantains on each side for 1 1/2- 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel lined lined dish and fry remaining plantains.
    • In a large skillet cook ground beef for until browned and drain any accumulated grease in pan and set aside. 
    • In the same pan, add green pepper, onion, and garlic and cook for 3 minutes then add sofrito. Add back ground beef, seasonings, and olives and give a good mix. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Spray a square pan / baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. I used a 9X9 baking dish. Layer the bottom with long slices of fried plantains. Then pour beaten egg over top of the plantain layer. Top with meat mixture then add cheese. Repeat adding a second layer of plantains, beaten egg, beef filing, and cheese. Add a final layer of plantains then sprinkle on remaining cheese and bake in a preheated 350° oven for 25 minutes until heated all the way through and bubbly.
    • Allow to cool for about 15 minutes so the pastelon can set making it easier to slice.

    Video

    Pastelon (Sweet Plantain Lasagna)
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    My name is Itaira and I’m from the garden state known as New Jersey. I’ve had passion for many things but the one thing that is consistent is food. I love everything there is to love about food in every aspect. I welcome you all to join me on this food journey. I hope to inspire you to cook and try new foods... learn more

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