Beef and Plantain Layered Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Puerto Rican casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, tender plantains, and rich tomato sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. This puerto rican-inspired quick meals ready in about 65 minutes pairs green plantains, olive oil, ground beef for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place 4 medium green plantains (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds) in a baking dish and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and tender, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Stir in 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Spread half the beef sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half the baked plantain slices on top, then spread the remaining beef sauce and top with the remaining plantain slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese if using.
  5. Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Beef and Plantain Layered Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Beef and Plantain Layered Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Beef and Plantain Layered Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Beef and Plantain Layered Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Beef and Plantain Layered Casserole?

Puerto Rican quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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