Pastelon (Puerto Rican Layered Casserole)

4.8
(9)
6 Reviews
3 Photos

This typical Puerto Rican dish is made up of an interesting mix of ingredients but somehow they all work together. There is a little bit of salty, sweet, and savory all in one bite.

Submitted by Jenna M
Updated on September 24, 2023
3
3
Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
56 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 21 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
8 servings
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 cup tomato sauce

  • ⅓ cup sofrito

  • 8 green olives, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon crushed garlic

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • ¼ cup recao

  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

  • cooking spray

  • ¾ cup vegetable oil

  • 6 large ripe plantains - peeled, halved, and each half cut lengthwise into 4 slices

  • 5 large eggs

  • 1 (9 ounce) package frozen French cut green beans, thawed and drained

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef; cook and stir until browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Remove meat from pan; drain fat.

  2. Place tomato sauce, sofrito, green olives, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, recao, and oregano in the skillet. Cook and stir over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Return ground beef to skillet; reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes more.

  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

  4. Pour oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry plantain slices until golden, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

  5. Beat eggs thoroughly in a bowl; add 1/2 teaspoon salt.

  6. Line the bottom of the baking pan with half the plantains, overlapping as needed. Layer ground beef mixture, green beans, and remaining plantains; pour eggs on top. Top with mozzarella cheese.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven until eggs are set and cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes.

Recipe Tips

If you cannot find the tropical herb called recao (also known as culantro), you can use cilantro instead.

Sofrito can be found in jars, as well as in the refrigerator or freezer section of your grocery store.

Editor's Note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

463 Calories
15g Fat
70g Carbs
18g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 463
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 149mg 50%
Sodium 678mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 70g 26%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 33g
Protein 18g 37%
Vitamin C 44mg 49%
Calcium 45mg 3%
Iron 4mg 19%
Potassium 1299mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.