Pastelón with Ground Beef and Mozzarella

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

A layered Puerto Rican comfort food featuring fried plantains, savory beef filling, and melted mozzarella cheese. This puerto rican-inspired mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs large (about 2 lbs) Plantains, (225 g) Ground beef, diced Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Puerto Rican cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 3 large plantains (about 2 lbs) and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add plantain slices and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 lb ground beef, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, breaking into small pieces with a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Simmer for 5 minutes while stirring.
  5. Step 5: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the fried plantains, then half of the beef mixture, then 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers.
  6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pastelón with Ground Beef and Mozzarella 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 Pastelón with Ground Beef and Mozzarella?

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 large (about 2 lbs) plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pastelón with Ground Beef and Mozzarella?

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 with Ground Beef and Mozzarella 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.

Is Pastelón with Ground Beef and Mozzarella vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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