Boil the plantains

• Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into chunks.
• Place them in a pot, cover with water and add the salt and sugar.
• Boil until the plantains are soft and easily pierced.

Mash the plantains

• Drain the plantains and mash them while hot.
• Mix in the butter and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Cook the beef filling

• Brown the ground beef in a pan.
• Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook until softened.
• Stir in the tomato paste, adobo, olives and water.
• Simmer until the mixture is thick and saucy.

Layer the pastelón

• Grease a baking dish.
• Spread half of the mashed plantain on the bottom.
• Add the beef filling, then a layer of cheese.
• Top with the remaining mashed plantain and finish with more cheese.

Bake

• Bake at 190 °C until bubbly and golden on top.

Rest and serve

• Let the pastelón rest before slicing.
• Slice and serve warm.