Discover the flavors of Puerto Rico with this traditional Pastelón recipe or Plantain Lasagna and you can cooking it at 1 hrs only with easy steps and cheap .

Similar to lasagna but with a tropical twist, Pastelón features layers of ripe sweet plantains, savory ground beef seasoned with traditional spices, and a layer of melted cheese. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try our easy-to-follow recipe today!

Ingredients:

 -3-4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced lengthwise

 -1 lb ground beef

 -1 onion, chopped

 -2 cloves garlic, minced

 -1 bell pepper, chopped

 -1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

 -1 tsp ground cumin

 -1 tsp dried oregano

 -Salt and pepper, to taste

 -2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

 -2 tbsp olive oil

 -Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2-Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3-Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.

4-Stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

5-Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, fry the plantain slices until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

6-Grease a baking dish and layer half of the plantains on the bottom.

7-Spread half of the meat mixture over the plantains, then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat the layers.

8-Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9-Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

10-Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your Puerto Rican Pastelón!

Nutritional Values ​​:

Ripe plantains (1 medium):

  - Calories: 218

  - Carbohydrates: 57g

  - Fiber: 4g

  - Sugars: 31g

 - Protein: 2g

 - Fat: 0.5g

benefits :

  - Rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

  - High in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

  - Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and boost the immune system.

Ground beef (1 lb, 80% lean):

  - Calories: 1120

  - Protein: 92g

  - Fat: 80g

  - Saturated Fat: 31g

  - Cholesterol: 378mg

benefits :

  - Excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

  - Rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are important for energy production and red blood cell formation.

  - Provides essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.

Onion (1 medium):

  - Calories: 44

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Sugars: 5g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Rich in Antioxidants: Onions contain quercetin and sulfur compounds, which have strong antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.

  - Heart Health: The sulfur compounds in onions can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the body, benefiting conditions like arthritis.

  - Blood Sugar Regulation: Onions can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them beneficial for people with diabetes.

Bell pepper (1 medium):

  - Calories: 25

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Sugars: 3g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - High in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in collagen production.

  - Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 10

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Boosts Immunity: Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties due to its high concentration of allicin, which helps fight infections.

  - Cardiovascular Health: Garlic can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve overall heart health.

  - Antimicrobial Effects: Garlic has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it effective in combating various infections.

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Tomato sauce (8 oz can):

  - Calories: 89

  - Carbohydrates: 21g

  - Fiber: 4g

  - Sugars: 13g

  - Protein: 4g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

  - Contains vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health.

  - Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for adding flavor to dishes.

Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups):

  - Calories: 720

  - Protein: 48g

  - Fat: 48g

  - Saturated Fat: 30g

  - Cholesterol: 180mg

benefits :

  - Good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health and muscle function.

  - Contains protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

  - Provides vitamin B12, which is necessary for nerve function and red blood cell production.

Olive oil (2 tbsp):

  - Calories: 239

  - Fat: 27g

  - Saturated Fat: 4g

benefits :

  - Rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

  - Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.

  - May help improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar control when used in place of saturated fats.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and cooking methods.