Pastelón de Plátano con Carne Guisada

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

Layered plantain and slow-simmered beef in a rich tomato sauce, a beloved Puerto Rican casserole. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs plantains, beef chuck, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1 lb diced beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened, then stir in 1.5 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp cumin, and 2 bay leaves.
  3. Step 3: Simmer covered for 45 minutes on low heat until beef is tender; remove bay leaves, season with 1 tsp salt, and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Layer 1/2 of 4 sliced plantains in a greased baking dish, spread half the beef mixture over, then layer remaining plantains and top with remaining beef mixture; bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pastelón de Plátano con Carne Guisada take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Plátano 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 plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pastelón de Plátano 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 Plátano 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 Plátano 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.

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