Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Smoky poblanos, savory beef, and gooey cheese baked into a layered casserole.
Ingredients
6 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded
1½ lbs ground beef
1 tbsp chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp ground chipotle pepper
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 large onion, chopped
2 (14.5‑oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles
Cooking spray
3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Directions
Roast Poblanos: Preheat broiler. Place peppers cut‑side down on foil‑lined sheet. Broil 5–8 minutes until skins blister. Transfer to bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and steam 10 minutes. Peel skins, rinse, and pat dry.
Cook Beef Mixture: Heat skillet over medium‑high. Add beef, chili powder, garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne, paprika, chipotle, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned, ~4 minutes. Add onion; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; simmer until onions are translucent, ~5 minutes. Cool slightly.
Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray casserole dish. Layer peppers on bottom, then ⅓ beef mixture, then 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers twice more.
Bake: Bake uncovered 35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Recipe Notes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Tips for Success
Roast peppers until skins are deeply blistered for easy peeling.
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
For extra heat, add jalapeños or more chipotle.
Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.
Fun Variations
Chicken Rellenos Casserole: Swap beef for shredded chicken.
Vegetarian Version: Use black beans and corn instead of meat.
Cheese Lovers: Add queso fresco or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
Tex‑Mex Twist: Top with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro before serving.
Storytelling Element
Imagine pulling this casserole from the oven — bubbling cheese, smoky peppers, and savory beef filling the kitchen with irresistible aroma. It’s a dish that feels festive yet comforting, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Conclusion
This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is a flavorful, layered take on a Mexican classic. Easy to assemble, hearty, and crowd‑pleasing, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.