Pastelón | Puerto Rican Plantain Lasagna

 

Ingredients:

For the Plantains:

• 6 ripe plantains (yellow with black spots)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• ¼ cup stuffed green olives, sliced
• 1 packet sazón with annatto
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For Assembly:

• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Plantains:
   • Peel the plantains and slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick.
   • In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the plantain slices in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
   • Remove the fried plantains from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Meat Filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
   • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, sliced olives, sazón, adobo seasoning, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • If desired, stir in the chopped cilantro for added flavor.
3. Assemble the Pastelón:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:
     1. A layer of fried plantains to cover the bottom of the dish.
     2. Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over the plantains.
     3. Add another layer of fried plantains.
     4. Spread the remaining meat mixture over the plantains.
     5. Top with a final layer of fried plantains.
   • In a small bowl, beat the eggs and pour them evenly over the top layer of plantains. This will help bind the pastelón together.
4. Bake and Serve:
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
   • Cover the baking 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.
   • Allow the pastelón to rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Pastelón!