Plantain, Corned Beef & Cabbage Lasagna 🇯🇲
Plantain, Corned Beef & Cabbage Lasagna 🇯🇲 is a medium Caribbean recipe that serves 4. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Briscoeskitchenandspice on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 36 min | Total: 1 hr 11 min
Cost: $14.37 total, $3.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Green Plantains (peeled and sliced lengthwise about ¼ inch thick)
- 1 can (12 oz) Canned Corned Beef (drained and crumbled)
- 2 cups Cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Sweet Red Pepper (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (finely diced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prepare Plantains
Peel the green plantains and slice them lengthwise into ¼‑inch thick ribbons. Lay them on a plate and press gently with another plate to flatten.
Time: PT5M
First Fry of Plantains
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Second Fry for Crispness
Remove the plantains, press them again to ensure flatness, then return to the skillet and fry another 3‑4 minutes per side for extra crispness.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion, diced sweet red pepper, minced garlic, diced scotch bonnet (seeds removed for milder heat), and shredded cabbage until softened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Prepare Corned Beef Mixture
Open the canned corned beef, crumble it into a mixing bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in ketchup and water until the mixture is loose but not watery.
Time: PT3M
Combine Beef with Veggies
Add half of the mashed corned beef mixture to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Assemble Lasagna
In a greased baking dish, layer fried plantains, then spread a layer of the corned‑beef‑cabbage mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Repeat with another plantain layer, remaining beef mixture, and finish with a generous top layer of cheddar cheese.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 500
- Protein
- 13g
- Carbohydrates
- 29g
- Fat
- 27g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Plantains: Green bananas
- Instead of Canned Corned Beef: Shredded cooked beef, Ground pork
- Instead of Cabbage: Coleslaw mix, Savoy cabbage
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Sweet Red Pepper: Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Habanero pepper, Jalapeño
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Ketchup: Tomato paste diluted with water
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Coconut oil
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Frying Pan / Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Tongs (optional)
- Cheese Grater (optional)
- Plate or Flat Board (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Frying plantains to a golden crisp without burning.
- Pressing plantains flat before the second fry for proper layering.
- Mashing corned beef with ketchup and water to keep the mixture moist.
- Assembling layers evenly and finishing with cheese for a golden crust.
- Baking until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over each plantain layer.
- If you can’t find scotch bonnet, a small amount of habanero gives a similar heat.
- Pressing the plantains between two plates with a heavy skillet helps achieve uniform thinness.
Troubleshooting
Plantains become soggy after baking.
Ensure the plantains are fully crisp after the second fry and pat them dry on paper towels before layering.
The lasagna is dry.
Add an extra tablespoon of water to the corned‑beef mixture or drizzle a little broth over the layers before baking.
Cheese doesn’t melt or brown.
Use a full‑fat cheddar and bake on the middle rack; if needed, broil for 1‑2 minutes at the end.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Unbaked assembled lasagna freezes well for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding 10‑15 extra minutes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Fry the plantain slices a day ahead and store them in a single layer on paper towels in the fridge.
- Assemble the lasagna up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10‑12 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna in Caribbean cuisine?
The dish blends Caribbean staple ingredients—plantains, salted corned beef, and cabbage—into a lasagna‑style casserole, reflecting the region’s tradition of turning inexpensive pantry items into comforting, family‑style meals. It’s especially popular in island households for weekend lunches and celebrations.
What are the traditional regional variations of plantain‑based casseroles in Caribbean cooking?
Across the Caribbean, plantains are used in dishes like “Mofongo” in Puerto Rico, “Tostones” in Cuba, and “Plantain Pie” in Jamaica. Some variations replace corned beef with stewed chicken or fish, and the cheese topping may be swapped for a coconut‑milk‑based sauce in Trinidadian versions.
How is Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna traditionally served in Caribbean households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, accompanied by a simple green salad or sliced avocado. In many Caribbean homes it’s enjoyed with a side of boiled dumplings or rice and peas to round out the meal.
What occasions or celebrations is Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna associated with in Caribbean culture?
The dish is a favorite for family gatherings, birthday parties, and holiday meals such as Christmas or Independence Day celebrations, where hearty, crowd‑pleasing comfort foods are prized.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include green (unripe) plantains, canned corned beef, fresh cabbage, Scotch bonnet pepper, and sharp cheddar. Substitutes can be green bananas for plantains, shredded cooked beef for corned beef, habanero for Scotch bonnet, and mozzarella for cheddar, though flavor will shift slightly.
What other Caribbean dishes pair well with Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna?
Pairs nicely with a side of seasoned rice and peas, fried dumplings (Johnny cakes), or a fresh mango‑lime salsa that adds a bright contrast to the rich casserole.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna?
Common errors include under‑frying the plantains (they become soggy), over‑mixing the corned‑beef which makes it dry, and skipping the final cheese topping which leaves the dish without its signature golden crust.
Why does this recipe use a second fry of the plantains instead of baking them?
The second fry ensures the plantain slices stay crisp and hold their shape during baking, preventing a mushy texture that can occur if they are only baked.
Can I make Plantain, Corned Beef and Cabbage Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What does the YouTube channel Briscoeskitchenandspice specialize in?
The YouTube channel Briscoeskitchenandspice specializes in Caribbean‑inspired home cooking, focusing on comfort dishes, quick weeknight meals, and creative twists on classic island recipes.
How does the YouTube channel Briscoeskitchenandspice's approach to Caribbean cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?
Briscoeskitchenandspice emphasizes practical, budget‑friendly techniques, often using pantry staples like canned corned beef and readily available vegetables, while many other channels focus on more elaborate or restaurant‑style presentations.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
