Delicious and Easy Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe: Perfect for Family Dinners

When it comes to Mexican-inspired comfort food, Chile Rellenos Casserole is a mouthwatering dish that stands out. Combining the vibrant flavors of roasted green chilies, savory cheese, and a soft, eggy base, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also satisfies the cravings of both spicy food lovers and those seeking something hearty. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Chile Rellenos, which translates to “stuffed chili peppers,” traditionally consists of roasted green chilies stuffed with cheese, dipped in an egg batter, and fried to perfection. While that version is delicious, this casserole adapts the flavors into a more accessible, less time-consuming dish without sacrificing taste. By layering ingredients and baking it all in one pan, you’ll have a satisfying and flavorful meal ready in under an hour!

In this article, you’ll discover an easy-to-follow recipe for Chile Rellenos Casserole, along with tips for variations, serving suggestions, and nutritional information to help you create a dish your family will love. Let’s dive into the kitchen!

Ingredients for Chile Rellenos Casserole

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible even for beginner cooks. Here’s what you’ll need:

Key Ingredients:

6 large poblano peppers or canned whole green chilies (roasted and peeled)
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin (optional, for added flavor)
1/4 tsp paprika or chili powder (for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chile Rellenos Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

If you’re using fresh poblano peppers, start by roasting them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is charred and blistered. Once roasted, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to steam. This will make peeling the skin much easier. After peeling, slit each pepper lengthwise and remove the seeds.

Alternatively, if you’re short on time, canned whole green chilies work just as well and save some prep work.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading half of the roasted peppers across the bottom of the dish in a single layer. Next, sprinkle half of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the chilies. Repeat the layers with the remaining chilies and cheese.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using). This mixture is what binds the casserole together, giving it that classic Chile Rellenos texture with a bit of fluffiness.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered chilies and cheese in the baking dish, ensuring it evenly coats everything. Sprinkle a touch of paprika or chili powder on top for added color and flavor.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the eggs are fully set. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with sour cream, fresh salsa, and chopped cilantro for an authentic touch. Enjoy it alongside a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.

Variations and Tips for Personalizing Your Chile Rellenos Casserole

One of the best things about this casserole is how customizable it is. Whether you prefer it spicier, cheesier, or with added protein, this recipe is versatile enough to meet your needs. Here are some popular variations:

Add Meat: For a heartier dish, incorporate cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo. Simply layer the meat between the chilies and cheese for extra flavor and protein.
Extra Veggies: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or even corn to give the casserole more texture and color.
Cheese Choices: While Monterey Jack and cheddar are classic, feel free to swap in queso fresco or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but pairing it with complementary side dishes will elevate the meal even further. Consider serving your Chile Rellenos Casserole with:

Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy, seasoned rice perfectly balances the flavors of the casserole.
Refried Beans: Creamy beans add a nice texture contrast to the eggy, cheesy casserole.
Guacamole or Avocado Salad: The freshness of avocado helps cut through the richness of the casserole.
Corn Tortillas: Serve the casserole with warm corn tortillas to create taco-style servings.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

While the exact nutritional breakdown will vary depending on the brands of cheese and chilies used, here’s a general estimate for a serving size of 1/6th of the casserole:

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 550mg

For those looking to reduce calories or fat content, consider using reduced-fat cheese and milk, or adding more vegetables to the dish.

Conclusion

Chile Rellenos Casserole is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that brings together the beloved flavors of Mexican cuisine in a family-friendly format. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Plus, the customization options make it a versatile dish that can suit many dietary preferences and spice tolerances.

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and share how it turned out! We’d love to hear about any tweaks you made or additional ingredients you included to make it your own. Enjoy cooking and, more importantly, enjoy eating!