Recipe of Pastelón

Ingredients

• 4 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Cooking spray

Directions

1. 1

   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry plantain slices until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

2. 2

   In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. 4

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray.

5. 5

   Place a layer of fried plantains in the bottom of the baking dish.

6. 6

   Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the plantains.

7. 7

   Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

8. 8

   Repeat the layers: plantains, beef, and cheese.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. 10

    Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Dominican Pastelón!