Pastelón de Carne

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

A savory Puerto Rican flatbread stuffed with seasoned meat and cheese. This puerto rican-inspired mediterranean ready in about 75 minutes pairs medium, fried and mashed plantains, shredded cheese, ground beef for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in 1/4 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, mixing well.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine 4 fried and mashed plantains with 1 cup shredded cheese. Press the mixture into a 9-inch round pan to form a base.
  4. Step 4: Spread the beef mixture over the plantain base, then top with additional cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Let cool slightly, then slice into wedges and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pastelón de Carne take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (40 min prep + 35 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 Pastelón de Carne?

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 shredded cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pastelón de Carne?

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 Pastelón de Carne 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 Pastelón de Carne?

Puerto Rican mediterranean 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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