Every time I make this casserole, I’m transported back to my abuela’s kitchen, where the aroma of roasted chiles filled the air like a comforting blanket. As kids, we would hover around her while she cooked, eagerly awaiting the moment we could dig in. This dish isn’t just food; it’s memories served on a plate.
This delightful casserole shines at family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll savor every bite and leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chile relleno casserole is incredibly easy to prepare while delivering bold flavors that will wow your guests
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
- You can customize it with different toppings or ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand
- Perfect for parties or as a comforting weeknight dinner that everyone will enjoy!
I still chuckle when I think about the first time I made this dish for my friends. They almost fought over the last bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Poblano peppers: Choose firm ones with shiny skin for optimal flavor and texture.
- Ground meat: Beef or turkey work beautifully; opt for lean varieties for healthier options.
- Onion: A yellow onion adds sweetness; sauté until it’s translucent.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives that perfect melty goodness.
- Tomato sauce: Use canned sauce for convenience; it adds moisture and flavor.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together and add fluffiness to the dish.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors; use it as a garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Lets Make it together
Prep Your Peppers: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast those poblano peppers over an open flame until their skins blister and char slightly—this enhances their flavor dramatically.
Sauté Your Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until they turn golden brown and fragrant. Add in your ground meat, cooking until browned while breaking it apart into crumbles.
Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine cooked meat and onions with eggs and half of your cheddar cheese—this will create a creamy filling bursting with flavor.
Layer It Up: Spread half of the tomato sauce in a greased baking dish. Layer in half of your roasted peppers followed by the meat mixture. Top with remaining peppers and pour over the rest of the sauce.
Add Cheese Heaven: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over everything—because who doesn’t love more cheese?
Bake Away!: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—let those cheesy dreams come true!
Once out of the oven, let your masterpiece cool slightly before serving. Garnish it with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color.
This chile relleno casserole is more than just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Enjoy every savory bite while reminiscing about sunny days spent with family or friends around the table. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- This chile relleno casserole is packed with flavor and perfect for family gatherings.</p>
- <p>You can easily add your favorite ingredients to customize it to your taste.</p>
- <p>The cheesy, spicy aroma will have everyone asking for seconds before it even hits the table.</p>
- <p>Serve with a side of fresh guacamole for an extra kick!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then prepare your ingredients while the oven warms up for maximum efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in other types of cheese or add beans and corn for extra texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe chiles for better flavor; they should be slightly wrinkled and fragrant.</p>
- <p>Don’t skip the resting time after baking!
- It allows the casserole to set properly.</p>
- <p>For more spice, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mix
Nothing beats the feeling of pulling this dish out of the oven, watching friends’ eyes widen as they take their first bite, and hearing them rave about it for weeks afterward!
FAQ
Can I make this chile relleno casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it when ready.
What kind of cheese works best?
A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar creates a deliciously melty texture.
Can I use frozen chiles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using.
Easy and Delicious Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Get ready to salsa with joy as you dive into this chile relleno casserole! Imagine layers of roasted poblanos, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce all baked to perfection. It’s like a party in your mouth where even your taste buds are doing the cha-cha! Perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself after a long day—just don’t blame me if you go back for seconds… or thirds!
Ingredients
- Poblano peppers
- Ground beef or turkey
- Yellow onion
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Eggs
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame until the skins blister; set them aside.
- In a skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add ground meat and cook until browned.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked meat, onions, eggs, and half the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the tomato sauce, half the roasted peppers, the meat mixture, remaining peppers, and top with the rest of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered; then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
