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If you're craving a hearty, comforting dish with a twist, this Pastelon Casserole is just what you need. Imagine layers of sweet plantains mingling with savory ground beef, all topped with gooey cheese. It's a delightful fusion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let's dive in!
Pastelon Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large peeled and sliced lengthwise ripe plantains
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup cheddar or mozzarella shredded cheese
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced plantains. Spread the beef mixture over the plantains. Top with remaining plantains and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
H2: What you will need to make pastelon casserole
- Plantains: Sweetness balances savory beef, creating a unique flavor profile. Essential for authentic pastelon.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory base. Complements sweet plantains perfectly.
- Tomato sauce: Adds moisture and tanginess. Enhances overall flavor.
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts to create a creamy, gooey topping. Adds richness.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Essential for flavor balance.
- Garlic: Infuses dish with aromatic, savory notes. Enhances overall taste.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing. Adds subtle richness and helps cook onions and garlic evenly.
- Oregano: Adds earthy, herbal notes. Complements beef and tomato sauce.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make pastelon casserole recipe
- Baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the pastelon, ensuring even cooking and a cohesive structure.
- Frying pan: Used to cook the ground beef mixture, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Knife: Necessary for slicing plantains and chopping onions and garlic.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.
- Spatula: Helps in stirring and spreading the beef mixture evenly over the plantains.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole, melting the cheese and bringing all ingredients together.
Pastelon Casserole Recipe
A delicious Puerto Rican casserole made with layers of sweet plantains, savory ground beef, and melted cheese.
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Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Frying Pan
- Mixing bowl
Read more: White Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 4 large ripe plantains peeled and sliced lengthwise
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced plantains. Spread the beef mixture over the plantains. Top with remaining plantains and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Pastelon is a great dish for family gatherings. You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
Read more: Easter Casserole Recipe
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture and plantains as directed.
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake it.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole without baking.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Using ripe plantains instead of green ones gives the dish a natural sweetness that balances the savory ground beef mixture perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How ripe should the plantains be?
They should be very ripe, almost black. This ensures they are sweet and soft.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Is it necessary to fry the plantains first?
No, baking them directly works fine, but frying adds extra flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
What can I serve with pastelon?
A simple salad or rice pairs nicely with it.
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