Criollo Ripe Plantain Casserole with Shredded Beef

Ingredients

• 2 ripe plantains (Peeled; cook until tender)
• 1 tbsp butter (For the mash)
• 2 tbsp cooking oil (For sautéing)
• 1 onion (Chopped)
• 2 dientes garlic (Minced)
• 0.5 green bell pepper (Chopped)
• 0.5 red bell pepper (Chopped)
• 1 green onion (Chopped)
• 300 g cooked shredded beef (Already cooked and shredded)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp BBQ sauce
• 0.5 cup water (For cooking the filling)
• salt (To taste)
• dried oregano (To taste; reserve a pinch for finishing)
• paprika (To taste)
• fresh cilantro (A handful, chopped)
• 300 g shredded mozzarella cheese (Use between the layers and on top)

Steps

1. 1

   Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into large pieces. Cook them in a pot of boiling water until completely tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15–20 minutes. Drain well.

2. 2

   Place the hot plantains in a bowl and add the butter. Mash with a fork or potato masher until you obtain a firm, smooth, and creamy mash. Set aside.

3. 3

   Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and green onion.

4. 4

   Sauté the vegetables for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, and the garlic is fragrant.

5. 5

   Add the cooked shredded beef to the skillet. Mix with the vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes to heat it through and allow it to absorb the flavors.

6. 6

   Stir in the tomato paste, BBQ sauce, salt, oregano, and paprika to taste. Pour in the water and add the fresh cilantro. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

7. 7

   Cook the filling over medium heat for several minutes, stirring, until the sauce is incorporated and the mixture is juicy but not runny. Remove from the heat.

8. 8

   Use a nonstick skillet with a lid or a heatproof dish. Spread a first layer of plantain mash over the bottom, making sure it is even.

9. 9

   Add a layer of shredded beef over the mash and sprinkle some of the shredded mozzarella on top.

10. 10

    Repeat the assembly with another layer of plantain mash, followed by another layer of shredded beef and more mozzarella. Finish with the remaining cheese and a pinch of oregano.

11. 11

    Cover the skillet or dish and cook over low heat for approximately 5 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the dish is hot. Serve immediately.

Notes

The written recipe indicates 5 minutes of final cooking over low heat; the transcript mentions 10 minutes. The written description was prioritized. The beef must be precooked and shredded. Adjust the salt and spices to taste.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• home cooking
• Latin American cuisine
• with meat
• with cheese
• skillet
• no oven
• tropical fusion