Stuffed tostones with ground beef Recipe (Plantain cups)

Stuffed tostones are delicious, crispy little plantain cups stuffed with ground beef and guacamole and topped with pickled onions and cilantro.

This recipe is also popularly known as tostones rellenos, and it has its origins in Latin American countries.

Cubans and Dominicans call them tostones, while other regions like Venezuela call them patacones. But in the end, it is the same stuffed tostones cups.

Since I am Cuban, let’s stay with Tostones.

Now it’s time to start cooking!! Ready? Let’s begin.

What are tostones?

Tostones are a popular Latin American and Caribbean dish made from sliced unripe plantains that are twice-fried until crispy.

They are typically served as a side dish or appetizer and can be seasoned with salt, garlic, or other spices.

Tostones are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of other foods.

However, since we are doing Stuffed tostones with ground beef today and guacamole, you can have it as a main dish.

Especially during the summer days. It will be filling as a whole meal. That’s what we did, and it was enough for dinner time.

Ingredients for the stuffed plantain or tostones rellenos

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your needs. I used 2 green plantains and yielded 10 cups. For three people, that was more than enough.

I used a pound of ground beef which left me with some leftovers. However, it was convenient to prepare lunch for the next day.

Check these 35 ground beef recipes for picky eaters.

You can use either ground beef or ground pork. The idea is to make a picadillo that is not too saucy but still has a lot of flavors and is delicious.

I will guide you through the cooking of the ground beef, but feel free to cook the meat as you prefer or as you usually do.

Another key ingredient here is the avocado. We’ll use a ripe avocado to make guacamole, along with some fresh lime, red onion and cilantro.

What oil to fry plantains in?

When frying plantains to make tostones, it is recommended to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.

These oils have a neutral flavour and can withstand high heat without burning or smoking.

Coconut oil and olive oil are not recommended for frying plantains since they have a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavour to the tostones.

Can you use yellow plantains for plantain cups?

Traditionally, stuffed plantain cups are made with green or unripe plantains, which are firmer and starchier than ripe plantains. They also are crispier than yellow plantains.

However, some people do use yellow plantains to make tostones, although they will have a softer texture and slightly sweeter taste.

If you choose to use yellow plantains, it is important to make sure they are not too ripe, as they can become too soft and difficult to shape.

Additionally, your cups are not going to be crispy at all, which will take away some of the best things about this recipe.

Do you need a plantain cup maker?

No, not really. This stuffed plantain cup recipe doesn’t need a plantain cup maker. I will show you how to do it without a tool.

Follow the video instructions, and you will have beautiful cups without the need for extra tools.

We’ll use only what you already have in hand, a flat plate, a roller and a muffin tray to give the plantain basket its shape.

Ah!! the fridge will be your best ally to keep the plantain cups shape. Your Stuffed tostones will be perfect.

How to make stuffed plantain cups

Cooking the ground beef.

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the pan and break it up using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Once the ground beef is cooked, add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences.
4. Stir the seasonings into the ground beef, ensuring they are well distributed. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
5. Add a cup of water and let it cook until the meat is tender for at least 10 minutes.
6. Taste the ground beef and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or any other spices to suit your taste.
7. Once the ground beef is seasoned to your liking, remove it from the heat.

Making the plantain cups

1. Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and making a lengthwise incision along the ridges. Carefully slide your thumb under the skin and peel it away. Cut the plantains into thick slices, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) deep in the pan.
3. Don’t wait for the oil to heat to pout the plantains. This will make sure the plantains cook all the way through.
4. Add the plantain slices to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry them in batches, if necessary, at medium heat.
5. Cook the plantain slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Use a tooth stick to check if the plantains are cooked. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them over.
6. Remove the fried plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain excess oil.
7. While they are still hot, use a glass plate with a flat bottom to press the tostones to flatten each slice into a round disc. Do it gently so the tostones don’t fall apart.
8. Then with a roller, gently keep flattening the plantain slice so it things out in a circular shape.
9. Place the fattened plantain on a muffin tray and shape it around the circular shape. Don’t worry if there are loose parts. Just make sure there are no holes in the cups.
10. Place the tray on the fridge with the plantain cups for at least 10 minutes before frying the second time.

Frying and stuffing the plantains cups

1. Once all the plantain cups are chilled, fry them in hot oil for 1-2 minutes or until they are crispy and deep golden brown.
2. Remove the tostones cups from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or tray again to drain any remaining oil. Sprinkle them with salt if desired.
3. To make the guacamole smash a ripe avocado and add salt and lemon. Cilantro and pepper.
4. Cut the red onion into small cubes and add a juice of a lemon season with salt, pepper and cilantro too.
5. Now is the time to stuff the plantains cups. Scoop the ground beef first. Then add a tablespoon of guacamole and finish everything off with the pickled red onion on top.
6. Enjoy the Stuffed tostones!!

Watch How to Make Stuffed Tostones