Zesty Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe for Taco Night

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering baked beef chiles rellenos casserole that brings zesty Mexican flavors straight to your dinner table.

Roasted green chiles nestle between layers of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, creating a hearty dish bursting with warmth and spice.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of rich, smoky notes that dance across your palate.

The casserole combines traditional Mexican ingredients with easy preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts will adore this satisfying meal that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Bold, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner or potluck.

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole: What Makes It Unique

• Dive into a flavor-packed Mexican-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen with minimal effort.
• Layer ingredients quickly in a casserole dish, eliminating complex stuffing techniques while delivering all the classic chiles rellenos flavors in one easy baking step.
• Adjust spice levels by tweaking pepper quantities or cheese types, making this recipe perfect for personalized family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
• Combine protein-rich ground beef, nutrient-packed poblano peppers, and melted cheese for a balanced, satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Savory Chiles Rellenos Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Poblano Peppers, Green Chiles: Add a rich, smoky flavor and mild heat to the dish, creating a traditional Mexican-inspired taste.

• Mexican Cheese Blend: Brings creamy texture and melts beautifully, adding richness to the casserole.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Chipotle Pepper: Create a complex and robust flavor profile that enhances the beef and peppers.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Provide essential seasoning to balance and elevate the overall taste.

• Garlic, Onion: Add depth and aromatic base to the beef mixture, contributing to the dish's savory character.

• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Introduce moisture and a tangy, slightly spicy element to the casserole.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole doesn't stick to the dish and allows for easy serving.

Tools for Easy Casserole Baking

• Broiler or Oven: Essential for roasting peppers and baking the casserole.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and cooking the filling.
• Baking Sheet: Needed for roasting poblano peppers under the broiler.
• Casserole Dish: Primary vessel for assembling and baking the entire dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Plastic Wrap: Used to steam roasted peppers after broiling.
• Paper Towels: Helpful for drying poblano peppers after peeling.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents casserole from sticking to the dish.
• Knife: For chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Surface for chopping vegetables.

Simple Steps for Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Step 1: Blacken Poblano Peppers

Position your oven rack 6 inches from the broiler.

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Place poblano pepper halves cut-side down on the sheet.

Broil until pepper skins turn black and bubbly, around 5-8 minutes.

Transfer peppers to a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Let them steam and cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Brown Spicy Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Chili powder
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Chipotle pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook and stir until beef turns brown and completely cooked, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer Beef Mixture

Toss chopped onions into the beef.

Cook until onions soften, around 2 minutes.

Pour in diced tomatoes with green chiles.

Continue cooking until onions become translucent, about 5 more minutes.

Remove from heat and let mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare Casserole Base

Preheat oven to 350F.

Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.

Remove poblano pepper skins under running water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 5: Layer Delicious Casserole

• First layer: Poblano peppers
• Second layer: One-third beef mixture
• Third layer: Shredded Mexican cheese blend

Repeat these layers two more times.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake casserole uncovered in the preheated oven.

Cook until the top turns golden brown, approximately 35 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness.

Tips for Cheesy, Bold Chiles Rellenos Casserole

• Get that perfect smoky flavor by broiling poblano peppers until their skins are completely blackened and blistered, which enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• After cooking ground beef, consider draining any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Adjust the cayenne and chipotle pepper amounts to match your heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish without overwhelming spiciness.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make slicing easier, creating picture-perfect servings.

Creative Twists for Beef Chiles Rellenos Fans

• Vegetarian Poblano Bake: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, or plant-based ground meat for a meat-free version packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Green Chile Casserole: Swap traditional cheese blend with low-fat cheese and add cauliflower rice as a base for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Chicken Chile Rellenos Casserole: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter protein option with similar spice profile.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to accommodate lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals.

Serving Suggestions for Chiles Rellenos Casserole

• Fresh Cilantro Rice: Fluffy white rice mixed with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice creates a zesty accompaniment that complements the rich beef and pepper flavors.
• Crisp Mexican Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, sliced radishes, diced avocado, and a tangy lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Creamy Guacamole: Homemade guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a hint of jalapeño adds a cool, creamy element that balances the spicy casserole.

Storing Baked Casserole for Next Time

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole flat to maintain its layered structure and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.

FAQs

• What are poblano peppers, and why are they used in this recipe?

Poblano peppers are mild, large green chili peppers from Mexico with a slightly smoky flavor. They’re perfect for chiles rellenos because they have thick walls that hold filling well and provide a rich, slightly spicy taste to the dish.

• How do I know when my ground beef is properly cooked?

Ground beef is fully cooked when it turns completely brown with no pink color remaining and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. This typically takes about 4-5 minutes of cooking while breaking it into small pieces.

• Can I substitute the type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace Mexican cheese blend with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Oaxaca cheese. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will work well in the casserole.

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican chiles rellenos casserole delivers spicy comfort with layers of roasted peppers, melted cheese, and seasoned ground beef. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded
• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Meat Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon ground paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Char poblano peppers under broiler 6 inches from heat source for 5-8 minutes until skin blackens and blisters, creating smoky exterior.
2. Steam peppers in covered bowl for 10 minutes, allowing skins to loosen naturally.
3. Sauté ground beef in skillet over medium-high heat with aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, and garlic until meat browns completely.
4. Incorporate diced onions and tomatoes with green chiles into beef mixture, cooking until vegetables soften and release their flavors.
5. Remove beef mixture from heat and let cool slightly to prevent overwhelming casserole’s texture.
6. Gently remove pepper skins under running water, carefully patting dry with paper towels.
7. Layer casserole dish with roasted peppers, creating alternating strata of poblanos, seasoned beef, and shredded Mexican cheese blend.
8. Bake uncovered at 350°F for approximately 35 minutes until cheese melts and top develops golden-brown crispy surface.
9. Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Pepper Preparation Choose firm, unblemished poblano peppers for the best roasting results. Look for peppers with smooth, thick walls that will hold up during broiling and stuffing.
• Skin Removal To easily remove pepper skins, steam them in a sealed container creates a natural separation between skin and flesh. Gentle running water helps slide off the charred skin without damaging the pepper’s delicate texture.
• Spice Customization Adjust the heat level by modifying cayenne and chipotle pepper quantities. For a milder version, reduce spicy ingredients or substitute with mild green chiles for family-friendly flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Cover tightly with foil to maintain moisture and prevent ingredient separation.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg