Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is a comforting blend of roasted poblano peppers, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese, all seasoned to perfection. It’s a heartwarming dish that offers a unique twist on traditional chiles rellenos, combining all the flavors into an easy-to-make casserole. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with something special.

Ingredients

• 6 large poblano peppers: Halved and seeded.
• 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
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Preheat your oven’s broiler and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
   • Arrange the halved poblano peppers cut-side down on the sheet and broil until their skins blacken and blister, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
   • Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them steam as they cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
   • While the peppers are steaming, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
   • Add the chopped onion to the beef mixture and cook until it begins to soften, around 2 minutes.
   • Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles and cook until the onions are fully translucent, about 5 more minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
   • Once the peppers have cooled, peel off their skins under running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
   • Place a layer of the peeled peppers on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
   • Top with one-third of the beef mixture, followed by 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   • Bake the assembled casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 35 minutes.
   • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion

This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole brings a flavorful twist to a classic dish, combining the smoky flavor of roasted poblano peppers with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any dinner occasion. Serve it with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy this comforting casserole that will surely become a family favorite!