Pastelón de Papa con Carne Guisada
Layers of tender potatoes and slow-simmered beef in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying Puerto Rican twist on lasagna. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 100 minutes pairs potatoes, beef chuck, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
- 1 lb, cubed beef chuck
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 1/2 cup, diced green bell pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add beef cubes, cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt. Brown meat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains.
- Step 3: Stir in tomato sauce, cover, and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes until beef is tender and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup of beef sauce in a greased baking dish, then layer half the potato slices. Top with 1/3 of remaining sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella.
- Step 5: Repeat layers, ending with potatoes. Pour remaining sauce over top, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pastelón de Papa con Carne Guisada take to make?
Total time is about 100 minutes (30 min prep + 70 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 Papa con Carne Guisada?
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 potatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pastelón de Papa con Carne Guisada?
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 Papa con Carne Guisada 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 Papa con Carne Guisada?
Puerto Rican one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better one pot dishes though.
