Pastelón with Ground Beef and Plantain Layers

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

A hearty layered casserole of fried plantains, seasoned beef sauce, and melted cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. This mexican-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes pairs green plantains, vegetable oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 680g sliced plantains and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown — remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet, then add 75g chopped onion, 75g chopped green bell pepper, and 75g chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 450g ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned. Stir in 120g tomato sauce, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Spread a thin layer of beef sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half the fried plantains, then half the beef sauce, then half the remaining plantains. Repeat layers with the remaining plantains and beef sauce.
  5. Step 5: Top with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pastelón with Ground Beef and Plantain Layers 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 Plantain Layers?

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 Pastelón with Ground Beef and Plantain Layers?

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 Plantain Layers 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 with Ground Beef and Plantain Layers?

Mexican 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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