Papaya Casserole (Bermudian Paw Paw)

Paw Paw Casserole is one of the more popular ways to enjoy Bermuda paw paws (papaya). This dinner idea is great for large families or get-togethers. While this is a popular dish on the island it solely is dependent on the year's harvest for locally grown paw paws. Many local residents have paw paw trees growing right in their back yards!

4 green paw paws
4 Bermuda tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 Bermuda onion, finely chopped
½ lb ground beef
1 cup cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Skin, and dice paw paws. Cook until tender - a consistency that is easy to mash. Mash paw paws.

Layer the bottom of baking dish with a thin layer of mashed paw paws and thinly sliced Bermuda tomatoes.

Sauté ground beef and finely chopped onion in a bit of olive oil. Put a layer of this beef mixture on top of the layer of paw paw in casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese. Alternate these layers with paw paw at the top of which you can add the remainder of the grated cheese.

Bake for about 45 minutes.