Chili Rellenos Casserole: A Comfort Food Twist on a Classic
This recipe takes the deliciousness of classic chili rellenos and transforms it into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elevated take on a Mexican favorite!
What Makes This Chili Rellenos Casserole So Special?
This recipe isn't just about throwing ingredients together; it's about achieving a perfect balance of textures and tastes. We're talking creamy, cheesy goodness mingling with the spicy kick of poblano peppers and the savory depth of ground beef or chorizo.
Here's what sets this casserole apart:
- Roasted Poblano Peppers: Roasting the poblanos brings out their natural sweetness and reduces their spiciness, creating a more approachable flavor profile for everyone.
- Savory Filling: The filling is a blend of seasoned ground beef (or chorizo for a spicier kick!), onions, garlic, and a touch of cumin and chili powder. Feel free to customize this to your preference!
- Creamy Cheese Sauce: A rich and creamy cheese sauce pulls everything together, creating a luscious and satisfying casserole.
- Crispy Topping: A layer of crunchy breadcrumbs adds a satisfying textural contrast to the creamy interior.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Roasted Poblanos:
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or chorizo)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Poblanos: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the poblanos directly on the oven rack and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered. Place the roasted peppers in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10-15 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins, remove the seeds and stems, and roughly chop.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling: While the peppers are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder and cook for another minute. Add the ground beef (or chorizo) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the chopped poblanos. Top with the beef filling, then the remaining poblanos. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chili Rellenos Casserole hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or your favorite toppings. It pairs perfectly with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference. For a milder dish, use less; for a spicier kick, add more!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Chili Rellenos Casserole! Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!
