Ultimate Pastelón Recipe: A Layered Puerto Rican Casserole with Plantains, Beef Alternatives, and Cheese

What is Pastelón?

If you’ve never tried a Puerto Rican pastelón recipe, you’re missing out on one of the Caribbean’s most comforting and delicious dishes. This casserole features sweet plantains, a savory filling, and melted cheese, all baked together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re using beef alternatives or the classic ground beef, pastelón is a versatile dish that can be made to suit any dietary preference. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a flavorful Puerto Rican pastelón with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

You can make pastelón with different proteins like ground beef, chicken, tempeh, or lentils. Whether you’re following a traditional recipe or want a plant-based version, this dish is versatile, delicious, and easy to make.

Ready to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish? Let’s break it down!

Why You’ll Love This Puerto Rican Pastelón Recipe:

The Puerto Rican pastelón recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the fried plantains balances the savory filling and melts into the cheese, creating a comforting, satisfying dish. Whether you make it with ground beef, lentils, or tempeh, this Puerto Rican pastelón is sure to become a family favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the ingredients!

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Pastelón:

1. To make the perfect Puerto Rican pastelón, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

Plantains are the base of pastelón. They’re similar to bananas but starchier and less sweet when green. As they ripen, plantains become sweeter, which is why we use yellow plantains for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

• Green Plantains: These are starchy and firm. They’re great for savory dishes.
• Yellow Plantains: Slightly sweet and soft. These are ideal for pastelón.
• Overripe (Black) Plantains: Too sweet for savory dishes.

2. Protein: Ground Meat or Meat Alternatives

You can use ground beef for the classic pastelón. However, there are many alternatives depending on your preferences:

• Lentils: A great plant-based option, full of protein.
• Tempeh: A hearty, nutty-tasting option with a chewy texture.
• Ground Chicken or Turkey: A lighter version if you prefer poultry.
• Beef Alternatives: Choose from lentils, tempeh, or ground chicken as a base for the filling.

3. Cheese: Mozzarella or a mild cheese works best for melting.

This Puerto Rican pastelón recipe can be easily adapted to suit your taste or dietary preferences, whether you’re looking for a traditional or plant-based version.

• Mozzarella: Mild and melts beautifully.
• Monterey Jack: Soft and melts easily.
• Cheddar: Adds a sharp flavor to balance the sweet plantains.

For a vegan pastelón, you can substitute with plant-based cheese, like vegan mozzarella.

How to Make the Perfect Puerto Rican Pastelón

Making this Puerto Rican pastelón recipe is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful casserole that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Fry the Plantains

• Peel the Plantains: Start by slicing and frying your plantains until they are golden brown. off.
• Slice the Plantains: Cut them into diagonal slices, about 1/4-inch thick.
• Fry the Slices: Heat oil in a pan. Fry the plantain slices until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.

Pro Tip: Don’t over-cook the plantains. They should be golden but still firm enough to layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the plantains are frying, you can make the savory filling.

• Cook the Protein: If you’re using ground beef or a meat alternative, cook it in a pan until browned. If you’re using lentils, cook them as directed on the package.
• Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and olives (optional). Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Season the Filling: Add spices such as oregano, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Layer the plantains, filling, and cheese in a baking dish, and repeat the layers.

1. Layer the Plantains: Start by placing a layer of fried plantains at the bottom of your baking dish (9×13-inch works best).
2. Add the Filling: Spread the savory filling over the plantains. Make sure it’s even.
3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the filling.
4. Repeat the Layers: Continue layering plantains, filling, and cheese, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pastelón until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake: Place your assembled pastelón in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Pro Tip: By following this Puerto Rican pastelón recipe, you’ll create a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.

Helpful Tips for Making the Perfect Pastelón

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

When frying the plantains, cook in small batches. Overcrowding the pan will make the plantains soggy instead of crispy.

2. Layer Evenly

For a perfect pastelón, make sure the plantains, filling, and cheese layers are evenly spread. This helps everything cook properly and makes for a better texture.

3. Experiment with Different Fillings

You can mix and match the fillings based on what you have. Try adding black beans, corn, or mushrooms for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions for Your Puerto Rican Pastelón

Once your Puerto Rican pastelón is out of the oven, there are a variety of ways to serve it:

• Rice and Beans: A classic Puerto Rican side dish.
• Tostones (Fried Green Plantains): Perfect for a crispy addition.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Variations on the Traditional Puerto Rican Pastelón Recipe

While the classic Puerto Rican pastelón is made with sweet plantains and ground meat, there are many variations you can try:

1. Chicken Pastelón

Swap out the beef for shredded chicken. It’s lighter but still flavorful.

2. Seafood Pastelón

For a fun twist, use shrimp or crab as the filling. The seafood complements the sweet plantains nicely.

3. Vegan Pastelón

Substitute the cheese for a vegan cheese option and use lentils or tempeh instead of meat for a plant-based pastelón.

How to Store and Reheat Your Puerto Rican Pastelón

Storing

This Puerto Rican pastelón recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, bake the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to get the cheese bubbly again.

Reheating

To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Nutritional Information for Pastelón

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content for both traditional and plant-based pastelón:

Ingredient	Traditional Pastelón	Plant-Based Pastelón
Calories	350 per serving	290 per serving
Fat	22g	12g
Protein	18g	15g
Carbs	38g	45g
Fiber	5g	8g

Conclusion: Why This Puerto Rican Pastelón Recipe is a Must-Try

There you have it—your ultimate guide to making the perfect pastelón! This dish is not only delicious but versatile, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out a fun variation, you’re sure to love this Puerto Rican favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make pastelón ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the layers and refrigerate the dish. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze pastelón?
Yes! Wrap the dish tightly and freeze it for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen.

3. Is pastelón gluten-free?
Yes, pastelón is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your cheese and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.

4. How do I know when my plantains are ripe enough?
Look for yellow plantains with a few brown spots. This means they’re sweet enough for pastelón but still firm enough for layering.

5. Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely! You can make a vegan pastelón by using a plant-based cheese or simply omitting it