Pastelon de Plátano Maduros

A comforting layered dish made with caramelized sweet plantains, savory seasoned ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella. Baked until bubbly and golden, this sweet-savory classic is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.

Yield: 8-10 Servings
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 Minutes
Special Equipment: 9X13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

• 3 Ibs Carne Molida /
  Cooked Ground Beef/Preferably Picadillo Style

• 8-10 Sweet Plantains

• 16 oz Mozzarella Cheese

• 8 oz Marinara Sauce

Directions

1. Season & cook Carne Molida/Picadillo and set aside.

2. Peel yellow plantains

3. Carefully slice plantains lengthwise

4. Warm up oil on medium flame in medium-large skillet

5. Carefully add maduros/ sweet plantains into the oil

6. Fry on each side flipping over every two minutes

7. Once plantains are a brownish caramelized color, remove from oil and place on paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil

8. 8. In a medium baking dish (11x8), add favorite marinara/tomato sauce.

   Add enough to gently coat the bottom of dish

   1. Add sweet plantains.
      Lay them down next to each trying your hardest to cover all crevices

   2. On top, add a layer of Carne Molida | Picadillo

   3. Then add mozzarella cheese all over meat

   4. Repeat layers again until you reach top layer

   5. On the top layer, add the meat and then the tomato sauce

   6. Then add a large handful of cheese

   7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 40 mins

   8. Bake until cheese is melted

   9. Optional: At the very end, broil + 2 minutes to slightly brown the cheese

   10. Once done, let rest for
       5-10 mins before serving