A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Pastelón is the island’s beloved sweet-and-savory plantain lasagna, layering fried ripe plantains with garlicky beef picadillo and melted cheese. A beaten egg custard poured over the top binds the layers into a sliceable golden loaf. It is what Puerto Rican grandmothers make when they want lasagna flavor with a Caribbean soul.
Pastelón
A traditional Puerto Rican dish — Pastelón is the island’s beloved sweet-and-savory plantain lasagna, layering fried ripe plantains with garlicky beef picadillo and melted cheese.

Step by stepInstructions
- Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the plantain strips in batches until golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side; drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, brown the beef with the sofrito, tomato sauce, adobo, oregano and olives until the mixture is dry and well seasoned, about 10 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, layer half the plantains, then the beef, then half the cheese; repeat with the remaining plantains and cheese.
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top, letting them settle into the layers.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the eggs are set and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
💡 Chef tips & storage
The plantains must be ripe with spotty skins for sweetness. Let the pastelón rest before cutting so the custard sets and the layers hold together.

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