Chili Relleno Casserole: A Flavorful, Cheesy Delight

Quick Benefits

Chili Relleno Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and protein-packed dish that brings all the flavors of traditional chili rellenos without the hassle of deep frying. This baked casserole is layered with roasted green chilies, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and gooey melted cheese, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.

Essential Ingredients

To make this hearty casserole, you’ll need:

• 27 ounces green chilies (1 can, whole chilies, preferably Hatch brand)
• 1 1⁄2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound grated cheese (Monterey Jack or white cheddar)
• 12 corn tortillas
• 16 ounces refried beans
• 4 eggs, beaten well
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 1⁄2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set the oven to 375°F.
   • Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, flour, evaporated milk, hot sauce, paprika, onion powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Stir in the refried beans and mix until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Cut the tortillas into 1-inch wide strips.
   • Layer half of the tortilla strips at the bottom of the baking pan.
   • Evenly distribute half of the green chilies over the tortillas, followed by half of the grated cheese.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, green chilies, and cheese.
   • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
   • Spread the meat and bean mixture over the egg mixture.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
5. Bake to Perfection:
   • Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
   • Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
   • Garnish with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.

Health Benefits

• High in Protein: Ground beef, eggs, and cheese provide a great protein boost.
• Good Source of Fiber: Refried beans and corn tortillas add fiber for digestive health.
• Balanced Flavor: Spices and green chilies provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Customizable for Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fresh Salsa: Adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the cheesy richness.
• Side of Guacamole: A creamy, cool complement to the warm, spicy flavors.
• Over a Bed of Greens: Serve over shredded lettuce for a low-carb option.
• With Rice and Beans: Pair with Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.
• As a Breakfast Option: Enjoy leftovers with a fried egg on top for a hearty brunch.

Creative Variations

• Spicy Kick: Use jalapeños or spicy green chilies for extra heat.
• Meat-Free Version: Swap ground beef for black beans and corn for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in cream cheese or queso fresco for extra creaminess.
• Tortilla-Free Option: Use roasted poblano peppers in place of tortillas for a low-carb variation.
• Extra Crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking for a crispy texture.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

Pro Tips

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Drain Excess Liquid from Chilies: Prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Control heat by using mild or hot chilies and adjusting the hot sauce.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas hold up better, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture.

3. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Drain excess liquid from the green chilies and let the casserole cool slightly before slicing.

4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Monterey Jack and white cheddar melt well and provide great flavor, but you can also try queso fresco or Colby Jack.

5. Can I use fresh roasted chilies instead of canned?
Absolutely! Freshly roasted poblano peppers work great in this dish.

This Chili Relleno Casserole is a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s a comforting classic that never disappoints!

Print