Chili Relleno Casserole ️

When I want a hearty Tex-Mex meal that’s simple to make but full of bold flavor, I turn to this Chili Relleno Casserole. It has all the cheesy, peppery goodness of traditional chili rellenos but without the fuss of stuffing and frying. Layers of green chilies, seasoned ground beef, eggs, and plenty of gooey cheese bake together into a bubbling, golden casserole that’s perfect for feeding the family or bringing to a potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a classic Mexican-inspired dish and makes it weeknight-friendly. Instead of stuffing individual peppers, I just layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The green chilies add a mild heat, the beef makes it hearty, and the cheese ties it all together. It’s satisfying, comforting, and easy to customize.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 27 ounces canned whole green chilies (preferably Hatch brand), drained and patted dry
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Beef Filling
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. I drain any excess fat, then add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. I cook until the onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I lay half of the green chilies flat on the bottom of the dish. I spread the beef mixture evenly over the chilies, sprinkle with half of the cheese, then top with the remaining chilies.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, and flour until smooth. I pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure it seeps down into the layers. I sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.

Step 4: Bake
I bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve
I let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. I like to garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 per serving

Variations

• I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For extra heat, I add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• I make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for black beans and corn.
• I top it with salsa verde or enchilada sauce before baking for a saucier version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. This casserole also freezes well — I wrap portions tightly and reheat in the oven straight from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green chilies instead of canned?

Yes. I roast, peel, and deseed fresh Hatch or poblano chilies, then use them in the same way.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. I bake it just before serving.

What cheese works best?

I like a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for meltiness and flavor, but pepper jack is great if I want extra spice.

Is this dish spicy?

Not too much — canned green chilies are usually mild. If I want more heat, I add jalapeños or hot sauce.

What sides go best with chili relleno casserole?

I serve it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

Conclusion

This Chili Relleno Casserole is everything I love about Tex-Mex comfort food — cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make. With simple ingredients and layers of hearty goodness, it’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel like a celebration. Whether I serve it at a family gathering or just as a cozy dinner, it always gets rave reviews.

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