Pastelón de Arroz
Use your leftover white rice to create this easy, cheesy comfort dish.
By Claudia Espinal V. | @claudiaespinalv
I'm from the Dominican Republic, so the Pastelón de Arroz is part of my family's traditions and family celebrations. This is a family recipe that has evolved as it's been passed down, I've added my own personal flavor to the receta that my mother passed down to me. It is a joy for me to be able to continue traditions that come as far back in my family as before my grandmother so my children can enjoy them and learn from the women who have influenced me so much, especially in the kitchen.
This is a dish we generally prepare with leftovers from other days, and with a few additions, we can make a dish that stands on its own. It's easy to make, very nutritious, and of course, delicious! Serve it warm with a fresh salad for a perfect potluck dish or as a simple weeknight dinner for the family.
I made this dish with ground beef, but you can make it with shredded pollo guisado, ground pork, or make it vegan with stewed vegetables. The options are endless! I hope you find this recipe as a source of inspiration as you evolve your own version of Pastélon de Arroz for you and your family.
About Claudia
My name is Claudia Espinal. I’m from a small town up northeast in the Dominican Republic called San Francisco de Macorís. Recently moved to New York City with my two kids looking for a better future for my 6-year-old son, Rodrigo, who has a rare disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I love creating food-related content and sharing my passions and love for art through my social media. Cooking is a big part of my family, I remember helping both of my grandmothers and my mom cook, and bake all their favorite dishes, and learning how to love and enjoy food.
Pastelón de Arroz
Claudia Espinal
4-6
25 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
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- 1/2-pound ground beef
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon of Loisa Sofrito
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Sazón
Loisa Sal Marina to taste
Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
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6 cups of cooked white rice (I used leftovers from the day before)
1/4 cup cheddar cheese sauce (homemade or store bought)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Loisa Sal Marina to taste
Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper to taste
½ cup shredded mozzarella
Directions
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Add the onions into the pan and then fry them.
After the onions are fried add in the ground meat.
Add one tablespoon of Loisa Sofrito, chopped tomato, and the rest of the seasonings: Sazòn, Salt, Pepper and Oregano. Let it cook completely at medium heat.
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In a bowl, place the cheese cream and heavy cream, add salt, and pepper to taste, and gradually add the cooked white rice. Mix everything until completely incorporated.
- Finally grease a baking pan, place a layer of the rice mixture, fill with the beef, and cover with another layer of the rice mixture.
- On top, you can use grated mozzarella or grated cheddar cheese, or even a combination of both, and place it in the oven to bake at 350 F (175 Celcius) for about 30 minutes or until the cheese starts browning!
- Serve by itself or with a fresh salad, and voila!
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Pastelón de Arroz
Claudia Espinal
4-6
25 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
blank
- 1/2-pound ground beef
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon of Loisa Sofrito
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Sazón
Loisa Sal Marina to taste
Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
blank
6 cups of cooked white rice (I used leftovers from the day before)
1/4 cup cheddar cheese sauce (homemade or store bought)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Loisa Sal Marina to taste
Loisa Organic Ground Black Pepper to taste
½ cup shredded mozzarella
Directions
blank
Add the onions into the pan and then fry them.
After the onions are fried add in the ground meat.
Add one tablespoon of Loisa Sofrito, chopped tomato, and the rest of the seasonings: Sazòn, Salt, Pepper and Oregano. Let it cook completely at medium heat.
blank
In a bowl, place the cheese cream and heavy cream, add salt, and pepper to taste, and gradually add the cooked white rice. Mix everything until completely incorporated.
- Finally grease a baking pan, place a layer of the rice mixture, fill with the beef, and cover with another layer of the rice mixture.
- On top, you can use grated mozzarella or grated cheddar cheese, or even a combination of both, and place it in the oven to bake at 350 F (175 Celcius) for about 30 minutes or until the cheese starts browning!
- Serve by itself or with a fresh salad, and voila!