Chili Relleno Casserole is a classic Mexican-inspired dish packed with flavor, featuring roasted green chilies, gooey cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Chili Relleno Casserole is a crowd-pleaser or a cozy weeknight staple that can be made in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor. Chili Relleno Casserole is an irresistible dish that combines roasted green chilies, savory cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce.
• Easy To Make. You only need a few pantry staples to make this casserole. It’s a great choice for those hectic weeknights or for hosting guests because it can be prepared in advance with little effort.
• Versatile Dish. You can alter the ingredients in this chili relleno casserole to make it exactly how you like it. This recipe is extremely flexible and can be modified to suit your tastes, whether you like it spicy or mild, or if you want to change up the cheese or sauce.

Ingredients For Chili Relleno Casserole

• Anaheim Peppers. The dish’s focal point, they are the star after being roasted, peeled, seeded, and stuffed with cheese.
• Monterey Jack Cheese. The Anaheim peppers’ stuffing ingredient. This mild cheese melts beautifully and imparts a silky smoothness to whatever it’s used.
• Eggs. Used to make the casserole’s thick, custardy base.
• Milk. Added To The Egg Mixture, Which Results In A Custardy, Smooth Consistency.
• Blanket Flour Usage. Added to the egg mixture for a more substantial casserole bottom.
• Baking Powder. The egg mixture is boosted by the addition of baking powder, making the casserole light and airy.
• Salt. Added to the egg mixture to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cumin. Flavorful spice blend that brings warmth and earthiness to the dish.
• Paprika. A smoky, sweet spice that brings out the dish’s natural red color.
• Garlic Powder. Added to the eggs to boost the dish’s savory flavor.
• Tomato Sauce. To make a delicious sauce to go on top of the casserole.

Can I Make Chili Relleno Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Chili Relleno Casserole can be prepared in advance, yes. The flavors will have time to develop, and it will be much simpler to slice into uniform portions if you make it ahead of time. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Wait 30 minutes after bringing it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

How do I know when Chili Relleno Casserole is done?

When the chili is hot and bubbling all the way through and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown, the Chili Relleno Casserole is ready to be served. Put a knife into the middle of the casserole and see if it comes out hot to determine if it’s done. The safe eating temperature for the casserole is 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

How Do I Prevent The Top Of Chili Relleno Casserole From Getting Too Brown?

Covering the Chili Relleno Casserole with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking will keep the top from browning too quickly. This will ensure that the casserole is thoroughly heated without getting overly browned. The cheese on top should be melted and golden brown so removes the foil after 30 minutes and continue baking. If the top of the casserole is getting too brown, try moving it to the middle rack of the oven.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Sauce For Chili Relleno Casserole?

Chili Relleno Casserole can, indeed, be made with a variety of sauces. You can substitute enchilada sauce, salsa, or a creamy sauce made with sour cream or heavy cream for the tomato sauce in the recipe. The seasoning and spices should be adjusted so that they go well with the new sauce.

How To Cook Chili Relleno Casserole

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. The Anaheim peppers should be roasted until their skins are blistered and charred. Once they have been roasted, place them in a paper bag and allow them to steam for 10 to 15 minutes. This will facilitate the removal of the skin. Once the peppers have cooled enough to be handled, peel and seed them.
• Place each pepper stuffed with grated Monterey Jack cheese in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the eggs and milk by beating them together.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until thoroughly combined.
• In a baking dish, pour the egg mixture over the stuffed peppers.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the egg mixture has solidified and turned golden brown.
• While the casserole bakes, warm the tomato sauce over medium heat in a saucepan.
• Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Warm tomato sauce should be generously drizzled over each slice.

What To Serve With Chili Relleno Casserole

• Mexican Rice. Chili Relleno Casserole pairs deliciously with this traditional side dish. The rice’s savory flavors complement the casserole’s spicy heat. Every bite bursts with flavor thanks to the combination of rice, tomato, and spices.
• Grilled Corn On The Cob. Add some sweetness to your meal with this easy side dish. The sweetness of the corn is enhanced by grilling, making it a great complement to the savory and spicy casserole. The dish is elevated by the addition of cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime.
• Black Bean Salad. Chili Relleno Casserole is best served with a crisp and light salad to balance the rich and spicy flavors. The protein-rich black beans complement the fresh vegetables and crunchy lime dressing beautifully.
• Avocado Salsa. The creamy, savory side dish goes wonderfully with the spicy casserole. The avocado tempers the spiciness of the peppers with its velvety texture and subtle, buttery flavor. Bright and refreshing, thanks to the addition of fresh cilantro and lime juice.
• Sweet Potato Fries. The sweet potato fries are a great complement to the savory and spicy flavors of the casserole. The casserole’s heartiness and filling qualities are complemented by the fries’ crispiness and earthy flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Chili Relleno Casserole. This spicy twist on traditional Chili Relleno Casserole will surely please heat-seeking diners. To make it spicier, you can replace the Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese and stir in some diced jalapenos or green chilies.
• Vegetarian Chili Relleno Casserole. Vegetarians and those trying to eat more plant-based foods will love this take on Chili Relleno Casserole. Stuff the peppers with a mixture of black beans and corn instead of cheese.
• Chicken And Salsa Chili Relleno Casserole. This spin on traditional Chili Relleno Casserole ups the ante with a hefty helping of protein. To begin, pile cooked, shredded chicken into the peppers.
• Breakfast Chili Relleno Casserole. A hearty breakfast or brunch would be complete with this version of Chili Relleno Casserole. Mini bell peppers can stand in for the larger ones and scrambled eggs and crumbled breakfast sausage can be stuffed inside.
• Seafood Chili Relleno Casserole. This new take on the classic Chili Relleno Casserole includes your choice of either fresh shrimp or crabmeat for a seafood-centric twist. Layer shredded Monterey Jack cheese in the bottom of the peppers, then fill them with a seafood, cream cheese, and chives mixture.

How To Store Chili Relleno Casserole

• In The Fridge. Chili Relleno Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if it is allowed to cool to room temperature before being wrapped tightly in plastic or aluminum foil. It has a shelf life of up to 3 days if refrigerated.
• In The Freezer. Wrap the cooled Chili Relleno Casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you want to store it in the freezer. Then, you should put it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It has a three-month shelf life when stored properly.
• Reheat. Chili Relleno Casserole can be reheated by placing it in a preheated 350°F oven. The casserole should be thawed in the fridge overnight if frozen. Put it in an aluminum-covered baking dish after it has thawed. Put it in the oven and heat it for 20 to 30 minutes.

Try More Recipes:

• Chile Relleno Casserole Pioneer Woman
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Casserole
• Ham And Potato Casserole Pioneer Woman

Chili Relleno Casserole Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Calories 297
• Total Fat 21g
• Saturated Fat 12g
• Trans Fat 0.3g
• Cholesterol 107mg
• Sodium 744mg
• Potassium 295.3mg
• Total Carbohydrate 9.3g
• Dietary Fiber 1.4g
• Sugars 3.4g
• Protein 18g