Dinner

Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe

Name: Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (4-ounce) cans of whole green chilies, drained; 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 4 large eggs; 1 1/3 cups milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Salsa or hot sauce, for serving

ByNaomi Fletcher February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

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Introduction

Chile Relleno Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish that brings the flavors of the classic Mexican chile relleno into an easy, sliceable form. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines ground beef, green chilies, and a blend of cheeses in a savory egg custard base.

The dish shows three visible layers starting with a bottom layer of creamy, light yellow egg mixture, topped by a middle layer of brown cooked ground meat mixed with green jalapeño slices. The top layer is melted, bright yellow-orange cheese with a slightly crispy texture and two slices of roasted dark green jalapeños. The dish is garnished with small green herb leaves scattered over the cheese. It sits on a white plate with a small pool of light brown sauce around it, all on a white marbled surface. A fork holds a bite-sized piece, showing all the textured layers inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (4-ounce) cans of whole green chilies, drained
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cups milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Salsa or hot sauce, optional for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, lay the whole green chilies flat at the bottom. Slice them open or tear into strips if needed to cover the dish evenly.
Step 4: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the layer of chilies.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Step 6: Place another layer of whole green chilies on top of the cheese.
Step 7: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth.
Step 8: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
Step 9: Top with the remaining Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
Step 10: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 12: Serve with optional salsa or hot sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or use hot green chilies instead of mild ones.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Mix in some chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
Use a combination of cheeses based on your preference, like pepper jack for extra heat.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid freezing, as the egg custard may become watery when thawed.