Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Introduction

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole quickly became one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals. The combination of tender, roasted poblano peppers, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese brings the bold flavors of a classic chile relleno, all in an easy-to-make casserole. I love how the dish comes together effortlessly and can be enjoyed by everyone, from adults to children. The smoky flavor from the roasted poblanos and the kick from the spices perfectly complement the richness of the beef and cheese. The casserole is so satisfying that we often find ourselves going back for seconds!

Ingredients

• 6 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Broiler: Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Char the Peppers: Place poblano peppers cut-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Broil under the preheated broiler for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered. Once done, place the peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow them to steam as they cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Beef Mixture: While the peppers are cooling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chili powder, garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the beef is no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2 minutes, until the onions are slightly softened. Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Let the beef mixture cool for a few minutes.
4. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Peel the Peppers: Once the peppers have cooled, run water over them to remove the skins. Discard the skins and place the peppers on paper towels to drain excess moisture.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Lay a layer of peeled poblano peppers on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with 1/3 of the beef mixture, followed by 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Repeat the layers two more times, in the same order: peppers, beef mixture, and cheese.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and calories per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: 350 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This casserole is hearty enough to be served as the main course for lunch or dinner.
• With Rice: Serve alongside Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice to complete the meal.
• Topped with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and a cool contrast to the spicy dish.
• With Avocado: Pair with freshly sliced avocado or guacamole for a fresh, creamy side.
• Taco-style: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for a fun, casual dinner experience.

Additional Tips

1. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chipotle pepper to your preferred spice level. Omit or reduce the amounts for a milder version.
2. Use Ground Turkey: If you’re looking for a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
3. Prep in Advance: You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole right before baking.
4. Roast Extra Peppers: Roast a few extra poblano peppers to make additional layers or to add to other dishes like salads or sandwiches.
5. Check for Doneness: Make sure the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown before serving to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Add More Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese Variation: Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses for different flavors.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the tomatoes with green chiles and use a low-carb salsa or tomato sauce. Replace the cheese with a low-fat version.
• Spicy Beef: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Topped with Fresh Cilantro: After baking, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• With Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love spice, top the casserole with fresh or pickled jalapeños.
• As a Party Dish: This casserole is perfect for serving at parties or potlucks. Serve it with chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired spread.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple side salad with avocado, lettuce, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• With Pickled Red Onions: The sharpness of pickled red onions complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through.
• Individual Portions: For easy reheating, consider freezing individual portions in separate containers.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pepper?
   Yes, you can use bell peppers or Anaheim peppers if you don’t have poblano peppers available.
2. Can I make this casserole in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! You can use any cheese blend you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
4. How do I make this dish spicier?
   Add more cayenne pepper, chipotle, or jalapeños to the beef mixture for added heat.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the ingredients like the diced tomatoes are free from gluten.
6. How do I reheat leftovers?
   You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven. In the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot.
7. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, it freezes well. Just wrap it tightly before freezing and bake when ready to eat.
8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, swap the beef for black beans or another meat substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly.
9. How can I make this casserole lighter?
   Use ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the cheese for a lighter version.
10. What can I serve with this casserole?
    Serve with rice, avocado, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The smoky, tender poblano peppers paired with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it with a side of rice, a cool salad, or on its own, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Simple to make, full of bold flavors, and easy to customize, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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