Easy Baked Chile Relleno Casserole: Your New Go-To Family Dinner
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a homemade casserole, especially one bursting with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. This easy baked Chile Relleno Casserole is designed to bring that incredible experience right to your dining table, without the hassle of deep frying or long prep times. Imagine a dish that emerges from your oven, gloriously golden and puffy, filled with tender green chilies and an abundance of melty, delicious cheese. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will have your entire family asking for seconds!
My Journey to the Perfect Homemade Chile Relleno Casserole
My husband and I have been on quite an adventure since we got married 12 years ago, moving an astonishing eleven times! Each move brings its own set of challenges and excitements, and about six months ago, we made our latest move into a fantastic new area. While I hope this is our last move for a while, there are two crucial tasks I always prioritize when settling into a new place: locating the nearest grocery store and, perhaps even more importantly, finding the best local Mexican food restaurant. Because, let’s be honest, life isn’t complete without easy access to amazing tacos and enchiladas!
Fortunately for us, we struck gold this time! There’s a Mexican restaurant less than a mile from our new home, and it’s truly exceptional. While it occasionally means a frustratingly long wait for a table, their chile rellenos are absolutely divine – some of the yummiest I’ve ever tasted. That perfectly fried, eggy batter encasing a fresh, flavorful green chili, bursting with hot, gooey cheese… it’s a culinary experience I simply cannot resist. Do you share my love for chile rellenos?
The Magic of an Easy Chile Relleno Casserole
If you’re nodding along, craving that classic chile relleno flavor but wishing for a simpler, less messy preparation, then you are going to absolutely ADORE this easy baked chile relleno casserole. Think of it as taking all the best elements of several traditional chile rellenos and layering them into one convenient pan. Instead of individually stuffing, dipping, and frying each chili, we’re assembling them with a delicious egg topping, baking the entire dish, and then slicing it into generous portions for everyone to enjoy. It’s seriously that delicious and offers all the satisfaction without any of the restaurant wait times or frying fuss.
This recipe transforms the beloved Mexican dish into a comforting, oven-baked masterpiece. The result is a casserole that’s light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful, capturing the essence of classic chile rellenos with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and weekend gatherings effortless. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a larger family or entertain guests without breaking the bank. The simplicity of this dish means more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up!
Simple Steps to a Crowd-Pleasing Dish
The process for creating this incredible casserole is remarkably straightforward, yielding a substantial dish that can easily feed your entire family. You’ll start with readily available canned whole green chilies, which offer consistent flavor and texture. The next step involves carefully stuffing each chili with strips of delicious Monterey Jack cheese – a cheese known for its superb melting qualities and mild, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the chilies. Once your cheese-filled chilies are nestled in a casserole dish, you’ll prepare a simple yet essential egg and flour mixture. This mixture, whisked until smooth, is then poured evenly over the chilies, creating that signature fluffy, eggy crust we all love.
As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma. When you finally pull the casserole from the oven, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful, puffy, golden-brown egg topping, with glimpses of the vibrant green chilies peeking through. The real magic happens when you cut into it: the warm, cheesy goodness will satisfyingly ooze out from the chilies, creating a visual and flavorful delight. While it might not be the absolute healthiest dinner option, it is undeniably GOOD – incredibly comforting and deeply satisfying. Beyond its deliciousness, this casserole is also wonderfully inexpensive. If you’re managing a budget while trying to feed a large family, this easy chile relleno casserole is an absolute must-add to your weekly meal rotation!
Chile Relleno Casserole
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Ingredients
- 2 10-oz cans whole green chilies
- 6- oz Monterey Jack cheese cut into strips
- 8 eggs
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13″ dish with cookng spray, set aside.
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Drain cans of green chilies. Take a strip of cheese and insert it into each chili. Place in prepared baking dish.
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When all chilies have been filled with cheese and are inside the baking dish, mix together eggs, milk, flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Beat with a whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth.
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Pour egg mixture over chilies and then top with cheese.
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Place in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the egg is puffy and the cheese is bubbly. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chile Relleno Casserole
- Drain the Chilies Well: Canned chilies often come packed in liquid. Make sure to drain them thoroughly before stuffing to prevent the casserole from becoming watery. You can gently pat them dry with paper towels too.
- Choose Your Heat: While this recipe uses whole green chilies, you can opt for mild or a slightly hotter variety depending on your family’s preference. Anaheim or poblano peppers are great fresh alternatives if you want to roast them yourself for a more authentic flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Monterey Jack is fantastic for its meltiness, but feel free to experiment. A blend of Monterey Jack and a sharp cheddar will give you both texture and depth of flavor. You can even add a touch of Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
- Whisk the Batter Thoroughly: A smooth, lump-free egg and flour mixture is key to a light and fluffy topping. Whisking vigorously ensures all ingredients are well combined.
- Evenly Distribute Chilies: Arrange the stuffed chilies in a single layer in the baking dish so that each piece gets a good coating of the egg mixture and cooks evenly.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake until the egg topping is set, puffed, and golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly around the edges. Overbaking can lead to a dry casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This baked chile relleno casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of traditional Mexican side dishes. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo. A side of fluffy Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a simple green salad dressed with a zesty lime vinaigrette would make for an even more satisfying dinner. For an extra touch, offer guacamole or sliced avocado on the side.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the best things about casseroles is their versatility! Feel free to customize this chile relleno casserole to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, brown some ground beef, turkey, or shredded cooked chicken and mix it into the egg batter, or layer it at the bottom of the casserole dish before adding the chilies.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce into the egg mixture for added depth and heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of sautéed onions, diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Different Cheeses: While Monterey Jack and cheddar are classics, experiment with Colby, a Mexican cheese blend, or even a smoked gouda for a unique twist.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond sour cream and salsa, consider toppings like sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips for texture.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this chile relleno casserole are absolutely delicious and store well. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers, and refriger refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave until heated through, or cover the entire casserole with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm and bubbly again, approximately 15-20 minutes for a whole casserole, less for individual slices.
I genuinely hope this easy baked Chile Relleno Casserole becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it has in mine. It truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a relaxed family meal. Enjoy the rich, cheesy, and satisfying taste of homemade Mexican cuisine!
Want some other casserole ideas? Try these too:
Stuffed Bell Peppers Casserole
Tamale Pie
Southwestern Ranch Casserole