Pastelón, a Puerto Rican layered dish, is a crowd pleaser known for its savory-sweet flavor profile. It combines seasoned ground beef, ripe plantains, and cheese baked together for a unique dish that's part dinner, part dessert.
Photos of Homemade Pastelón Recipe
Ingredients like culantro, adobo seasoning, and sazón goya seasoning powder bring authentic Puerto Rican flavor to this dish. Culantro, a Caribbean herb, has a similar flavor to cilantro but more intense. Both adobo and sazón are spice blends commonly found in Latin American kitchens; if not available at your local grocery, they can be found in a Latin market or online.
Ingredients for Homemade Pastelón
Cilantro: A herb that adds freshness and a subtle citrus flavor.
Culantro: A Caribbean herb, relative to cilantro, imparting a robust flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color.
Green bell pepper: Contributes a slightly bitter flavor and vibrant color.
Garlic: Gives a pungent and spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.
Ground beef: The base protein for the dish.
Adobo seasoning: A blend of spices, enhancing the meat's flavor.
Sazon goya seasoning powder: A flavorful Spanish seasoning blend.
Tomato sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor.
Plantains: These will caramelize when cooked, adding a sweet counterpoint to the savory elements.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts well, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together when baked.
One reader, Hayden Braun says:
This homemade pastelón recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The plantains are perfectly tender, and the meat is seasoned to perfection. The gooey mozzarella on top adds a delightful finishing touch. It's a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a Latin twist!
Key Techniques for Making Homemade Pastelón
How to prepare the sofrito: Combine cilantro, culantro, onion, bell peppers, garlic, oregano, and cumin in a food processor and pulse until it reaches a tapenade-like consistency.
How to fry the plantains: Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then fry the plantains in batches until they are lightly browned on the edges and tender in the centers, about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally with a fork.
How to assemble the pastelón: Arrange a single layer of plantains in the bottom of a baking dish, top with the meat mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, and repeat the layers. Finish with a layer of plantains.
How to bake the pastelón: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the pastelón until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly, about 25 minutes. Then, uncover the dish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
How to let the pastelón rest: After baking, let the pastelón rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How To Make Homemade Pastelón
If you haven’t tasted Pastelón yet, you’re clearly missing out. It’s plantain, beef, and cheese all layered into one amazing dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1small fresh cilantro
- 1small fresh culantro
- 1red bell pepper,small, roughly chopped
- 1small green bell pepper,seeded and roughly chopped
- 1medium garlic,cloves seperated and peeled
- 1tspdried oregano
- ½tspground cumin
- 1¼cupscanola oil,divided
- 5pimento stuffed spanish olives,thinly sliced into rounds
- 1lbground beef
- ½tspkosher salt,plus more to taste
- 2tspdried adobo seasoning,divided
- 1¼tspsazon goya seasoning powder,with saffron
- 1cantomato sauce
- 4very ripe plantains
- 3cupsmozzarella cheese,shredded, divided
- 2large eggs
Instructions
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To the bowl of a food processor, add the cilantro, culantro, onion, red and green bell peppers, garlic, oregano, and cumin. Pulse until combined.
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Heat ¼ cup of canola oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sofrito and fry, stirring constantly, until deepened in color but not brown for about 3 minutes. Add the olives to the pan and stir to combine.
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Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until no longer pink for about 7 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt.
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Add 1 teaspoon of adobo seasoning, the Sazón seasoning, and the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed into the meat for about 7 minutes.
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Transfer the beef mixture to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon, discarding any excess liquid. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel and set it aside.
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Peel the plantains, cut in half crosswise, then slice each half lengthwise to get 4 thin slices.
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Heat the remaining cup of canola oil in the same pan over medium-high heat until the oil starts to shimmer.
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Fry the plantains in batches until they are lightly browned on the edges and tender in the centers for 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally with a fork. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season on both sides with salt.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Arrange a single layer of plantains in the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish. Using a slotted spoon, top with about half of the meat mixture.
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Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over the meat sauce. Repeat with more plantains, the remaining meat sauce, and another cup of mozzarella. Finish with the remaining plantains.
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In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining teaspoon of adobo seasoning.
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Pour the egg mixture over the plantains, then cover the baking dish with foil.
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Bake the pastelón until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbly for about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and turn the oven to broil.
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Uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella over the top. Broil for 5 minutes or until cheese on top is golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1215.94kcal
- Fat: 95.31g
- Saturated Fat: 30.10g
- Trans Fat: 1.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 45.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.76g
- Carbohydrates: 49.47g
- Fiber: 4.89g
- Sugar: 23.20g
- Protein: 46.33g
- Cholesterol: 231.32mg
- Sodium: 1386.20mg
- Calcium: 809.56mg
- Potassium: 1242.46mg
- Iron: 4.23mg
- Vitamin A: 407.50µg
- Vitamin C: 64.18mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Pastelón
When frying the plantains, ensure they are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking. Too thick, and they may not cook through properly; too thin, and they might burn easily. Also, don't overcrowd the pan as it can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy plantains. Fry them in batches for the best results.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pastelón
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare the vegetables and sofrito in advance to save time when cooking the dish.
Use pre-made sofrito: Consider using store-bought sofrito to save time on chopping and blending the ingredients.
Pre-sliced plantains: Look for pre-sliced plantains at the grocery store to skip the step of peeling and slicing them yourself.
Double batch: Make a larger batch and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
One-pan cooking: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook the meat and sofrito together, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella to save time on grating the cheese yourself.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Pastelón Recipe
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley has a similar fresh and slightly peppery flavor to cilantro, making it a good substitute in recipes.
fresh culantro - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Culantro has a similar flavor to cilantro, so using fresh cilantro as a substitute can provide a similar taste profile.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can be a colorful substitute for red bell peppers in recipes.
green bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar crunch and mild sweetness, making them a good substitute for green bell peppers.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a mild garlic flavor and can be used as a substitute for garlic in recipes, especially when a milder taste is desired.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor to oregano, making it a suitable substitute in recipes.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor similar to cumin, making it a good substitute in recipes.
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in recipes, as it has a similar neutral flavor and high smoke point.
pimento stuffed spanish olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives have a similar briny and slightly tangy flavor to pimento-stuffed Spanish olives, making them a suitable substitute.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef in recipes, offering a similar texture and versatility.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness in recipes.
dried adobo seasoning - Substitute with homemade adobo seasoning: Making a homemade adobo seasoning blend using common spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can be a substitute for store-bought adobo seasoning.
sazon goya seasoning powder - Substitute with homemade sazon seasoning: Creating a homemade sazon seasoning blend using ground annatto, cumin, coriander, and other spices can be a substitute for store-bought sazon seasoning powder.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and rich tomato flavor in recipes.
plantains - Substitute with green bananas: Green bananas can be used as a substitute for plantains in recipes, offering a starchy and slightly less sweet flavor when cooked.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and slightly tangy flavor similar to mozzarella, making it a good substitute in recipes.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs, made from ground flaxseeds and water, can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs in recipes, providing binding and moisture.
How to Beautifully Present Homemade Pastelón
- Elevate the plating: Present the pastelón in a sophisticated and refined manner, ensuring that each element is meticulously arranged to create an aesthetically pleasing dish.
- Incorporate garnishes: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate cilantro leaves and finely chopped red bell pepper as garnishes to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
- Utilize high-quality serveware: Serve the pastelón on elegant ceramic or porcelain dishes to elevate the overall presentation and create a luxurious dining experience.
- Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the layers are neatly stacked and the dish is presented with precision and attention to detail.
- Emphasize color contrast: Create visual interest by strategically placing vibrant green bell pepper alongside the rich hues of the pastelón, enhancing the overall visual impact of the dish.
- Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a small squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle a swirl of tomato sauce on the plate, adding a touch of artistic flair to the presentation.
- Highlight the golden brown crust: Showcase the golden brown hue of the top layer by ensuring it is perfectly caramelized, adding a visually appealing element to the dish.
- Consider portion symmetry: Aim for uniformity in portion sizes and placement of the pastelón on the plate, creating a sense of balance and harmony in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Pastelón at Home
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's perfect for creating the sofrito for the pastelón recipe.
Large pan: A large pan is essential for cooking the ground beef and creating the flavorful meat mixture for the pastelón.
Slotted spoon: A slotted spoon is useful for transferring the cooked ground beef mixture to a separate bowl, allowing any excess liquid to drain away.
Paper towels: Paper towels are handy for draining excess oil from the fried plantains and for blotting any excess grease from the cooked pastelón.
8-inch square baking dish: An 8-inch square baking dish is the perfect vessel for assembling and baking the pastelón. It's important for creating the layers and ensuring even cooking.
Foil: Foil is used to cover the baking dish while the pastelón bakes, helping to trap heat and cook the dish evenly.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for beating the eggs and combining them with the adobo seasoning before pouring over the assembled pastelón.
Oven: The oven is used for baking and broiling the pastelón, ensuring that the layers are cooked through and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Pastelón
- To store leftover pastelón, let it cool completely to room temperature before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the pastelón. Wrap the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat refrigerated pastelón, remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- If reheating frozen pastelón, it's best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, remove the wrapping, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- For individual servings, you can slice the cooled pastelón into portions and wrap each one tightly with plastic wrap before freezing. This allows you to reheat only the amount you need.
- When reheating, be sure to remove the plastic wrap and cover the pastelón with foil to prevent the top from burning before the inside is heated through.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Pastelón
To reheat leftover pastelón in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and drying out. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastelón is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you prefer a crispy top on your reheated pastelón, remove the aluminum foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. This will allow the top layer of plantains and cheese to brown and crisp up, giving you a delightful texture contrast.
For a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a single serving of pastelón on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. Be aware that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your pastelón while maintaining a crispy exterior. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a piece of pastelón in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it's heated through and the top is crispy.
For a stovetop method, place a slice of pastelón in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the pastelón is heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy. This method works well if you want to reheat individual portions quickly.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to let the pastelón cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling can be extremely hot. Enjoy your delicious, reheated pastelón with a side of avocado salad or black beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Interesting Trivia About Pastelón
The traditional Puerto Rican dish pastelón is often compared to a lasagna due to its layered composition, but it is distinct in its use of ripe plantains instead of pasta. This unique twist gives the dish a sweet and savory flavor profile, making it a favorite comfort food in Puerto Rican cuisine.
Is Making Pastelón at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade pastelón recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as ground beef, plantains, and mozzarella cheese, are affordable and readily available. The use of simple seasonings and pantry staples also contributes to its cost-effectiveness. With an approximate cost of $20, this flavorful dish can easily feed a family of four, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is Pastelón Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade pastelón recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High fat content from the canola oil used for frying the plantains and cooking the sofrito
- Significant amount of saturated fat from the ground beef and mozzarella cheese
- Sodium content from the adobo seasoning, sazón seasoning, and salt
- Limited vegetables, primarily consisting of onion, cilantro, culantro, and bell peppers
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as:
- Plantains, which are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Tomato sauce, providing some lycopene and vitamin C
- Eggs, offering protein and essential nutrients
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to reduce saturated fat
- Use a smaller amount of oil for frying the plantains, or bake them instead for a lower-fat alternative
- Opt for reduced-fat mozzarella cheese to decrease the overall fat and calorie content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the sofrito, such as diced carrots or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density
- Reduce the amount of adobo and sazón seasoning to lower the sodium content, and use more herbs and spices for flavor instead
- Serve the pastelón with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal and add more fiber and nutrients
Editor's Opinion on This Homemade Pastelón Recipe
The homemade pastelón recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The aromatic sofrito infuses the ground beef with a burst of savory goodness, while the sweet and tender fried plantains add a delightful contrast. The layers of mozzarella cheese create a gooey, indulgent topping that perfectly complements the hearty filling. The addition of adobo seasoning and sazón goya elevates the dish with a depth of flavor that is truly satisfying. This recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that will surely impress anyone who has the pleasure of savoring it.
Enhance Your Homemade Pastelón Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Pastelón
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Homemade Pastelón
Why trust this Homemade Pastelón Recipe:
This recipe is a delicious and authentic homemade pastelón that captures the essence of traditional Latin American cuisine. The use of fresh cilantro and culantro in the sofrito adds vibrant flavors, while the combination of adobo seasoning and sazón goya seasoning powder enhances the savory profile of the dish. The careful layering of ripe plantains and savory mozzarella cheese creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. With a detailed step-by-step process, this recipe ensures a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be trusted to deliver an authentic taste experience.
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