Craving a taste of home? This Puerto Rican Pastelón recipe is my go-to comfort food. Layers of sweet plantains, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Delicious and really easy to make!
Pastelón or Pastel Horneado (Puerto Rican Plantain “Lasagna”) is one of those dishes that instantly reminds me of home. It’s a comforting classic made with layers of sweet, ripe plantains, savory ground beef, and melty cheese. If you’ve never tried it before and love plantains, especially platanos fritos (ripe fried plantains), trust me, you’re in for a treat!
You’ll sometimes hear it called “Puerto Rican Lasagna,” and it’s easy to see why. The layers of plantains, beef, and cheese mimic the structure of lasagna, but instead of noodles, you get that sweet, caramelized goodness of fried plantains.
The ground beef or carne molida, is what truly brings this dish to life. It’s cooked with onions, peppers, garlic, olives, and spices in a rich tomato sauce to make a flavorful Puerto Rican picadillo. Some people like to toss in raisins for a touch of sweetness. I’ll admit, I’m not one of them! But if raisins are your thing, go ahead and add them in!
Cheese in pastelón is another debate among Puerto Ricans. I grew up with cheese in every bite, so for me, it’s non-negotiable. It adds the perfect creamy texture that ties everything together.