If you’re craving a dish that combines rustic comfort with a vibrant Mexican flair, my Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender roasted poblano peppers layered with a richly spiced ground beef mixture, all topped with melty, golden Mexican cheese that bubbles up with every bite. This casserole is a feast for the senses, delivering smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes in every hearty serving. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s a simple yet impressive way to bring bold flavors to your table without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun in this Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the smoky poblano peppers that provide gentle heat to the carefully balanced spices that bring warmth and depth to the beef. The Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and an irresistible golden crust.
- 6 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded: These provide the perfect mild heat and smoky flavor when roasted.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: A juicy, flavorful base that carries the spices and tomato mixture.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds a classic southwestern spice kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a subtle earthiness that rounds out the spice profile.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A hint of herbaceous brightness to balance the richness.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to awaken your taste buds.
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika: Adds smoky sweetness and a beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper: Offers a smoky, slightly tangy punch that makes the beef mixture irresistible.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Provides a natural sweetness and texture.
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers: Adds moisture, tang, and a subtle extra kick.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the casserole from sticking for an easy cleanup.
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully for creamy, gooey layers.
How to Make Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Broil the Poblanos
Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and turn on the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Nestle those halved and seeded poblano peppers cut-side down on the sheet. Broil them until their skins char and blister nicely, about 5 to 8 minutes. This blistering adds a smoky dimension that’s essential to the dish’s character.
Step 2: Steam and Peel the Peppers
Right after broiling, place the peppers in a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let these steam as they cool for about 10 minutes — this step loosens the skins for easy removal. When ready, run water over the poblanos and gently slide off those blackened skins, revealing the tender, flavorful flesh beneath.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef along with chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne, paprika, chipotle, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until the beef loses its pink hue, about 4 minutes. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it starts to soften, around 2 minutes more. Finally, stir in the diced tomatoes with their green chiles and simmer until the onions turn translucent, roughly 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool slightly — this ensures your casserole layers don’t become watery.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spray a casserole dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Begin with a layer of the peeled poblano peppers on the bottom. Spoon over one-third of the beef mixture, then sprinkle one cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Repeat these layers two more times — pepper, beef, cheese — building a delicious tower of goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place the assembled casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for approximately 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese bubbles invitingly. Let it rest for a few minutes before digging in to allow all those flavors to meld perfectly.
How to Serve Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes takes this casserole to the next level. Bright diced avocado or creamy sour cream adds soothing richness. Don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a refreshing herbal note and a few lime wedges to squeeze for that lively citrus twist.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness, while warm corn tortillas or a scoop of cilantro-lime rice complete the meal with comforting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. For a fun twist, top each serving with a crisp tortilla chip or a drizzle of homemade salsa verde to add even more layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe, you might have plenty of leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will only deepen, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of water before reheating helps keep it moist and melty.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. Adjust cooking times as needed and make sure to season generously to maintain the dish’s bold flavors.
Are poblano peppers very spicy?
Poblanos are generally mild with a slight smoky heat, much less spicy than jalapeños. Roasting them softens their flavor and adds richness, making them perfect for this casserole.
What can I use if I don’t have a Mexican cheese blend?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella cheeses can mimic the melty, flavorful quality of a Mexican blend. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or beans, and increase the seasoning to keep that vibrant, hearty flavor.
Is this dish very spicy?
This Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe has a gentle warmth due to the spices and poblanos, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce or omit the cayenne and chipotle pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Baked Beef Chile Rellenos Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole brings a delicious twist to the traditional Mexican stuffed peppers dish by layering roasted poblano peppers with a flavorful spiced ground beef mixture and melted Mexican cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and hearty casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 6 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded
Beef Mixture
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 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
Other
- Cooking spray
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Broil the Peppers: Place the halved and seeded poblano peppers cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Broil until the skins are blackened and blistered, about 5 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Steam the Peppers: Transfer the blackened peppers into a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let them steam for about 10 minutes to loosen the skins for easy removal.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with chili powder, garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne, paprika, chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the beef is no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 more minutes until slightly softened. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Remove Pepper Skins: Run water over the steamed poblano peppers to wash off and discard the loosened skins. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the prepared peppers, then spread one-third of the beef mixture over them, and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Repeat layering twice more ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, about 35 minutes.
Notes
- Roasting and steaming the peppers makes peeling off the skins easier and reduces bitterness.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne and chipotle powders.
- Use a high-quality Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor and good meltability.
- You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it before assembling the casserole.
- Ensure the casserole is baked uncovered to achieve a nicely browned cheese topping.
