"Pastelón" (Dominican Lasagna or Cassarole)

Today, I have another recipe for you guys! This one is also from Dominican Republic. But guys don't worry. I promise, promiseeeee I will include other countries. I'm researching now for other dishes from different cultures. I'm basically posting now what I'm familiar of. Well, this next "sabroso" dish is called "Pastelón" for those that don't know how to speak Spanish; its kind of like a type of lasagna but very different.

What you will need:

• Sweet Plantains
• Ground Beef (it can be any other type of meat)
• Butter or Corn Oil
• Shredded Cheese
• Red or Green Bell Pepper
•  Garlic
•  Onion
• Oregano
•  Any other type of special seasoning

How to do the "Pastelón":

1. First, of anything you have to season the ground beef (or any other type of meat.) You get a bowl& you put the ground meat in there. You put your special sauces, special seasonings, etc. What I normally use is my normal homemade seasoning (made by me) & then I also add some Goya seasoning powder.
2. Then I add some little strips of onion & little strips of red or green bell pepper to give it flavor.
3. Once my ground meat is seasoned I just get a pan. Make sure the stove is on its highest level put the pan there & immediately put the ground meat in the pan.
4. When it starts to sizzle I add 3 little tiny drops of oil. Let it cook for in between 20-30 minutes.
5. As soon as you see the color change of the meat from red uncooked to brown & beautifully delicious that’s when you know its ready. Make sure there's completely cook! Then when its cook put it in a bowl & close it with a lid for it could stay nice & warm.

Now to make the sweet plantains.....

1. For a family size "Pastelón" you need to get 8-10 sweet plantains. To make the sweet plantains the only simple thing you got to do is peel the skin off. Take it completely off!
2. When it’s skinless just put it in a pot, put a little tiny drop of oil, add clean fresh water & let it boil for about 20-25 minutes. To make sure it’s absolutely done right get a fork, poke it & make its soft enough to mash.
3. When it’s done put it in a bowl & mashed it with your special masher... Once its mashed put it on a side, put it in a bowl & put a lid for it could stay nice & warm.

Put EVERYTHING together!

 

1. Get your tray & for it could not stick spray an 8x10 mold with no-stick baking spray. Put SOME of the sweet plantains in the tray.
2. Put ALL the ground beef (or any other type of meat that you have prepared.)
3. Add shredded cheese to cover EVERYTHING.
4. And last, put not least add the left over sweet mashed plantain in cover everything!
5. Pre-heat oven at 350 F. Cover the Pastelón with aluminum foil & cook for 25-35 minutes maximum.

Enjoy! :)