Indulge in the rich flavors of Dominican cuisine with Pastelón de Plátano Maduro, a beloved dish featuring layers of ripe plantains, seasoned ground meat, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This classic Dominican comfort food brings together the sweetness of ripe plantains with savory meat and cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed as a hearty family meal or shared among friends at gatherings, Pastelón de Plátano Maduro is sure to captivate your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant culinary landscape of the Dominican Republic.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced lengthwise into thin strips
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce or tomato paste
• 1/4 cup chicken or beef broth
• Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil and set aside.

2- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the cooked meat to a plate.

3- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato until softened, about 5 minutes.

4- Return the cooked meat to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

5- Add the tomato sauce or tomato paste and chicken or beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

6- Arrange a layer of sliced plantains in the greased baking dish, covering the bottom completely.

7- Spread half of the meat mixture over the layer of plantains, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.

8- Repeat the layers with the remaining plantains, meat mixture, and cheese, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.

9- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

11- Once baked, remove the Pastelón de Plátano Maduro from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

12- Enjoy your delicious Dominican Republic Pastelón de Plátano Maduro warm with your favorite side dishes or on its own!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in Dominican Republic Pastelón de Plátano Maduro, based on common measurements and nutritional data available:

Ripe Plantains (per medium-sized plantain):

• Calories: 218
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fat: 0.4g
• Protein: 1.9g
• Fiber: 4.6g

benefits:

• Rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy
• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, supporting overall health and immunity

Ground Beef (85% lean, cooked, 3 oz serving):

• Calories: 213
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 77mg
• Sodium: 70mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair
• Contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, supporting various bodily functions including metabolism and immune function
• Provides satiety, helping to keep you feeling full and satisfied after meals

Onion (1 medium onion, raw):

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants such as quercetin and sulfur compounds, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases
• Contains prebiotic fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria, promoting gut health and digestion
• Provides flavor and aroma to dishes without adding many calories or fat

Garlic (3 cloves):

• Calories: 13
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with potent medicinal properties known for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting effects
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease
• Has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms of common illnesses like colds and flu

Bell Pepper (1 medium pepper, raw):

• Calories: 24
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health
• Rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene, which may help protect against certain chronic diseases
• Provides fiber and hydration, contributing to digestive health and overall well-being

Tomato (1 medium tomato, raw):

• Calories: 22
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• High in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease
• Contains vitamin C, potassium, and folate, supporting heart health and overall immunity
• Provides hydration and essential nutrients with few calories, making it a nutritious addition to meals

Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, 1 oz):

• Calories: 85
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 138mg

benefits:

• Good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone health and strength
• Contains protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth
• Provides essential fats and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin K, supporting various bodily functions including vision and blood clotting.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors like specific brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes. When calculating the nutritional content of your dish, it's important to consider these factors and adjust accordingly.