Pastelón is the Puerto Rican baked dish that layers sweet plantains with seasoned ground beef and cheese.
Ripe plantains are sliced and fried or baked until soft, then arranged in layers with a picadillo-style filling. The beef is commonly seasoned with sofrito, tomato, onion, garlic, peppers, and herbs. Eggs or cheese may be used to help bind the casserole, and recipes differ between households.
Pastelón is often compared with Italian lasagna because of its layered structure, but plantains replace pasta and the flavor profile is distinctly Caribbean. It should not be confused with piñón, a related Puerto Rican casserole whose name and ingredients vary by region and family tradition.
The dish demonstrates how plantains can serve as both a staple starch and a source of sweetness. The contrast between caramelized plantain, savory beef, and melted cheese is central to its appeal.