18 Pastelon Puerto Rico Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences, resulting in a rich and flavorful culinary tradition. One dish that truly encompasses the essence of Puerto Rican cooking is pastelon, a delicious and hearty casserole dish. Similar to a lasagna, pastelon layers sweet plantains, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese for a mouthwatering combination of flavors. This traditional Puerto Rican recipe is a staple in many households and is the perfect dish to showcase the island's vibrant culture.
Main Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Onion, Minced Garlic, Tomato, Green Bell
For a healthier twist on the traditional pastelón, try using ground turkey instead of beef. Season the meat with adobo and sauté with onions, garlic, and achiote oil. Layer the sweet plantains with the turkey mixture and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a delicious and guilt-free pastelón experience.
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Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Plantains, Cold Water, Salt
In Puerto Rico, tostones are a staple side dish that is often served with meals like pastelón. To make these savory fried plantains, slice green plantains and fry them in hot oil until they are golden and crispy. Serve with a sprinkle of salt and your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and addictive snack.
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Puerto Rican Plantain Lasagna (Pastelon)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Eggs, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Red Pepper
This classic Puerto Rican dish is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty and flavorful meals. Layer sweet plantains with seasoned ground beef, topped with a layer of cheese, and bake until everything is bubbly and golden. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Pastelón (Puerto Rican Plantain “Lasagna”)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Vegetable Oil, Ground Beef, Adobo Seasoning
Looking for a vegetarian option? This pastelón recipe uses black beans, sweet plantains, and a variety of vegetables to create a flavorful and filling dish. The layers of plantains, beans, and vegetables are topped with a creamy and cheesy sauce, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for veggie lovers.
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Pastelon (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Peanut Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green
This traditional pastelón recipe uses a combination of ground beef and pork for a flavorful and hearty dish. The meat is seasoned with sofrito and sautéed with onions and peppers before being layered with sweet plantains and cheese. Bake until everything is hot and bubbly for a delicious and comforting meal.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Sazon
If you're looking for a healthier version of the classic pastelón, try using lean ground beef or turkey and swapping out the regular cheese for a low-fat or vegan option. You can also add in more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for an added nutrition boost.
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Sweet Plantain Lasagna (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Ground Beef
This twist on the traditional pastelón uses thinly sliced sweet plantains as the "pasta" layers. The plantains are lightly fried before being layered with a savory meat mixture and topped with a creamy and cheesy sauce. Bake until everything is hot and bubbly for a unique and delicious take on the classic dish.
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Pastelon (Puerto Rican plantain lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Ground Beef, Adobo Seasoning, Sazon, Onion
This pastelón recipe is a true Puerto Rican comfort food. The layers of sweet plantains, seasoned ground beef, and cheese are topped with a layer of creamy and tangy mayonnaise and ketchup mixture. Bake until the top is golden and crispy for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Paleo Plantain Breakfast Lasagna {Puerto Rican...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Plantains, Chopped Onion, Bell Pepper
This unique recipe combines the flavors of pastelón with a classic breakfast dish. The layers of sweet plantains, ground pork, and eggs are seasoned with Puerto Rican spices for a flavorful and filling breakfast. This dish is also paleo-friendly, making it a great option for those following a specific diet.
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Pastelon (Sweet Plantain “Lasagna”)
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic, Green Pepper, Chopped
For a sweeter twist on the traditional pastelón, try adding a layer of guava paste or fruit preserves in between the layers of sweet plantains. The sweet and savory combination is a delicious and unexpected flavor that will surely impress your taste buds.
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Puerto Rican Shepherd Pie (Pastelon)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Fresh Parsley, Fresh
This pastelón recipe takes inspiration from the classic shepherd's pie, using mashed plantains instead of potatoes for the top layer. The filling is made with seasoned ground beef, corn, and olives for a tasty and satisfying meal that is perfect for cooler weather.
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Vegan Plantain Lasagna (Pastelón)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Oil, Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms, Red
Vegans can also enjoy the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this plant-based pastelón recipe. The layers of sweet plantains, seasoned beans and vegetables, and a creamy cashew sauce are baked until everything is hot and bubbly. Serve with a side of rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Vegan Pastelon (Plantain Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Oil, Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper
Another vegan option for pastelón, this recipe uses layers of sweet plantains, vegan ground beef, and a variety of vegetables. The layers are topped with a vegan cheese sauce and baked until everything is hot and bubbly. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
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Paleo Pastelon
Main Ingredients: Jicama, Breakfast Sausage, Spinach, Flavored Oil
This paleo-friendly pastelón recipe uses thinly sliced sweet potatoes instead of plantains for the layers. The filling is made with a variety of vegetables and ground beef, seasoned with Puerto Rican spices. This dish is a great option for those following a paleo diet or looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe.
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Puerto Rican Picadillo with Plantain Rice (Paleo,...
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
Picadillo is a popular dish in Puerto Rico, and in this recipe, it is paired with sweet plantain rice to create a unique and flavorful meal. The picadillo is made with seasoned ground beef, olives, and raisins for a sweet and savory combination. Serve with the plantain rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Jibarito (Puerto Rican Plantain Sandwich)
Main Ingredients: Skirt Steak, Coriander, Adobo, Garlic Powder, Black
This popular Puerto Rican sandwich uses fried plantains instead of bread for a twist on the classic sandwich. The plantains are filled with your choice of meat, cheese, and toppings, making it a delicious and filling meal on the go.
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Sancocho (Puerto Rican Beef Stew)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Top Round Beef, Yellow
Although it's not technically a pastelón recipe, sancocho is another traditional Puerto Rican dish that is perfect for cooler weather. This hearty beef stew is made with a variety of root vegetables and spices, making it a delicious and comforting meal that will surely warm you up.
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Puerto Rican “Fried Rice”
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Garlic, Olive Oil, Pork
This dish may not have actual rice in it, but it's still a tasty and unique take on the classic fried rice dish. The "rice" is made with grated plantains and a variety of vegetables, sautéed with your choice of protein and seasonings. Serve as a side dish or add in some protein for a complete meal.
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Pastelón (Sweet Plaintain “Lasagna”)
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic, Green Pepper, Chopped
For a slightly sweeter version of pastelón, try adding a layer of mashed sweet potatoes in between the layers of sweet plantains. The combination of the two root vegetables creates a unique and delicious flavor that is sure to be a hit.
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Puerto Ricans
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Vegetable Oil
Lastly, we can't talk about Puerto Rican cuisine without mentioning the people who have perfected these delicious dishes. Puerto Ricans are known for their warm hospitality and love for food, and these pastelón recipes are just a small taste of their rich and flavorful culture.
The History of Pastelon
Pastelon is believed to have originated in Spain and was brought to Puerto Rico during the colonial period. The dish evolved over time to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, making it a beloved Puerto Rican staple. The name "pastelon" comes from the Spanish word "paste," which refers to the layers of plantains that encase the filling. This dish was traditionally served on special occasions and holidays, but it has now become a popular comfort food in Puerto Rican households.
The Key Ingredients
The main ingredients in pastelon are ripe plantains, ground beef, and cheese. Ripe plantains are essential to this dish, as they provide the sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the beef and cheese. The plantains are sliced and fried before being layered in the casserole dish. The ground beef is typically seasoned with adobo, a popular Puerto Rican spice blend, and sofrito, a flavorful mixture of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs. The cheese used in pastelon is typically a combination of mozzarella and cheddar, but some variations also use parmesan or queso blanco.
A Twist on the Traditional Recipe
While the classic pastelon recipe uses ground beef, there are many variations of this dish that incorporate different types of meat. Some use shredded chicken or pork, while others opt for seafood like shrimp or crab. There are also vegetarian versions that use plant-based meat substitutes or a medley of vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini. No matter the variation, the layers of sweet plantains and cheesy filling remain the essence of this beloved Puerto Rican dish.
How to Make Pastelon at Home
To make pastelon at home, you will need ripe plantains, ground beef, sofrito, adobo seasoning, cheese, and a few other pantry staples. First, the plantains are sliced, fried, and then layered in a casserole dish. Next, the ground beef is cooked with sofrito and adobo seasoning until it is well browned. The beef is then layered on top of the plantains, followed by a layer of cheese. The process is repeated until all the ingredients are used, and the dish is topped with a final layer of cheese. The pastelon is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
In Conclusion
Pastelon is a delicious and hearty Puerto Rican casserole dish that showcases the island's vibrant culture and culinary traditions. It is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors and can be customized with different meats and vegetables to suit individual preferences. Whether served on special occasions or as a comforting weeknight meal, pastelon is a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience the rich flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Enjoy the flavors of Puerto Rico with this delicious pastelon recipe!
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