Sweet & Savory Lasagna Casserole Dish - Dominican Pastelón

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Dominican Republic with Pastelón de Plátano Maduro! This isn't just any lasagna casserole dish; it's a vibrant, sweet and savory masterpiece that will capture your taste buds and transport you to the Caribbean. Forget traditional pasta – here, ripe, sweet plantains form the luscious layers, cradling a rich, seasoned pre cooked ground beef filling and generous amounts of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Dominican Pastelón is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of flavor and tradition, often gracing family gatherings and special occasions. It’s a true comfort food, combining the familiar warmth of a cheese bake recipe with the exotic sweetness of ripe plantains. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, our easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating an easy and delicious lasagna-style bake that’s incredibly satisfying. Prepare to discover your new favorite baked cheese dish!

Ingredients

• For the Sweet Plantain Layers:
• 6-7 very ripe plantains (yellow with lots of black spots)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Savory Ground Beef Filling (Picadillo):
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean is ideal)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), bell peppers sliced and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• 2 tablespoons capers (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• For the Cheesy Topping & Layers:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Prepare the Plantain Layers
   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Peel the very ripe plantains. Cut each plantain lengthwise into 3-4 slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
   3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. They should be soft and slightly caramelized. Drain on paper towels.
   4. Alternatively, for a healthier option, you can bake the plantain slices: arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with a little oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly golden.
   5. In a large bowl, mash the fried or baked plantains with butter, milk, and salt until smooth. A potato masher or fork works well. Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Filling
   1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's pre cooked ground beef and browned. Drain any excess fat.
   2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
   3. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and cumin. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
   4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
   5. Pour in the water or beef broth, sliced green olives, and capers (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich lasagna meat sauce.
   6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh cilantro if desired.
3. Assemble the Pastelón
   1. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch lasagna casserole dish.
   2. Spread half of the mashed plantain mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish.
   3. Spoon all of the ground beef filling over the plantain layer, spreading it out evenly.
   4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat filling. (This helps create delicious melted cheese recipes!)
   5. Carefully spread the remaining mashed plantain mixture over the cheese layer.
   6. Top the entire casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan (if using). This will create a fantastic baked cheese dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
   1. Bake the pastelón in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges are lightly caramelized.
   2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier serving.