Layered Potato and Cheese Casserole

In Spanish, you call it pastelón. Pastelón has several versions in different Latin American countries. In Puerto Rico, it’s a lasagna made with sweet plantains. The Dominican Pastelón, is a potato pie, similar to Shepherd’s pie, and usually has ground meat. In Central America and Colombia, pastelones are made in different shapes and ingredients, all of them potato-based. This version of pastelón de papa y queso does not have meat, so everyone can enjoy it.

This Layered Potato and Cheese Casserole recipe has 3 layers of flavor: potatoes, sauteéd vegetables, and a layer of delicious Tropical Queso Blanco and Cotija Cheese. Enjoy it for dinner with your family, and have the leftovers the next day!

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Yukon gold or white all-purpose potatoes, peeled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 10-ounce package Tropical Queso Blanco, shredded
• 1/2 cup Tropical Grated Cotija

Preparation

1. Place potato slices and enough water to cover in a large saucepan. Over high heat, heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Cook potatoes 5 minutes or until almost tender. Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, in hot oil, cook onion and pepper until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In blended or food processor, blend evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt and pepper until blended and smooth.
4. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease 13-by-9-inch baking dish or casserole. Set aside 1/2 cup queso blanco. Place a layer of sliced potatoes in baking dish; top with a layer of sautéed vegetable mixture, a layer of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Repeat layering until potatoes, vegetables and cheese are used. Pour egg mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle with reserved queso blanco. Cover dish with foil.
5. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer or until golden brown on top.