Looking for a scrumptious Tex-Mex dish to liven up your dinner table? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chili Relleno Casserole recipe! Packed with the zesty flavors of green chilies, savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to treat your loved ones to a special meal, this easy-to-make casserole is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
- 27 ounces green chilies (1 can), whole chilies, preferably Hatch brand
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound grated cheese (Monterey Jack or white cheddar)
- 12 corn tortillas
- 16 ounces refried beans
Topping:
- 4 eggs, beaten well
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (small can)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Mix the Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, flour, evaporated milk, hot sauce, paprika, onion powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat with chopped onions until the onions are soft and the meat is browned.
- Combine with Beans: Add the refried beans to the skillet with the ground beef and onions, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Layer the Casserole: Cut the corn tortillas into 1-inch wide strips. Arrange half of the tortilla strips in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Layer half of the green chilies evenly over the tortilla strips, followed by half of the grated cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips, green chilies, and cheese.
- Add the Topping: Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Top with Meat Mixture: Spoon the meat and bean mixture over the egg mixture layer.
- Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Serve: Once cooked through and bubbly, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: See Recipe
- Cooking Time: See Recipe
- Total Time: See Recipe
- Servings: See Recipe
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions over the casserole just before serving to add a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve with Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños on the side for guests to customize their portions according to their taste preferences.
- Pair with Sides: Serve the Chili Relleno Casserole alongside classic Tex-Mex sides such as Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal.
- Make it a Brunch Option: This casserole is versatile enough to be served for brunch. Accompany it with fresh fruit salad and mimosas for a delightful weekend brunch spread.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate the casserole within two hours of cooking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you’d like to freeze portions for future meals, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated through or reheat larger portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
- Refreshing Leftovers: If the casserole seems a bit dry upon reheating, drizzle a little extra hot sauce or sprinkle with cheese before reheating to add moisture and flavor.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Chili Relleno Casserole remains delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving some for later enjoyment.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, omit the ground beef and double the amount of refried beans. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, consider using hot green chilies or adding diced jalapeños to the casserole layers. You can also increase the amount of hot sauce in the topping mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your casserole. Try using pepper jack cheese for added heat, or mix in some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese for a unique twist.
- Healthier Twist: To lighten up the dish, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also use low-fat cheese and substitute whole wheat tortillas for corn tortillas for added fiber.
- Breakfast Version: Transform this casserole into a breakfast dish by adding cooked breakfast sausage or bacon to the layers. Serve it with salsa and avocado slices for a hearty morning meal.
- Tex-Mex Fusion: Incorporate Tex-Mex flavors from other cuisines by adding ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, or even a layer of salsa between the tortilla and chili layers.
- Personalized Toppings: Let each diner customize their portion by setting out a variety of toppings such as sliced olives, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Individual Servings: Instead of baking the casserole in a large dish, divide the ingredients among individual ramekins or muffin cups for perfectly portioned servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly until heated through and bubbly.
By exploring these creative variations, you can put your own unique spin on the classic Chili Relleno Casserole and tailor it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use canned green chilies for this recipe?
- Yes, canned green chilies work perfectly for this recipe. Look for whole green chilies, preferably Hatch brand, for the best flavor.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
- Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and doubling the amount of refried beans. Feel free to add sautéed vegetables for extra flavor.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I serve with this Chili Relleno Casserole?
- This casserole pairs well with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for added flavor.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- How do I reheat frozen leftovers?
- To reheat frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or defrost them in the microwave. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated through or larger portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
- Can I adjust the spiciness of this casserole?
- Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot green chilies, adding diced jalapeños, or increasing the amount of hot sauce in the topping mixture to suit your taste preferences.
With its irresistible blend of flavors and easy preparation, this Chili Relleno Casserole is a surefire way to spice up your dinner routine. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, this Tex-Mex delight is bound to please every palate at the table. Give it a try and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!