Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole – A Comfort-Food Twist on a Classic Mexican Favorite
If you crave bold flavors, melty cheese, tender roasted chiles, and hearty beef—all layered into a bubbling, golden-topped masterpiece—then this Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Inspired by the iconic Mexican dish chiles rellenos, this casserole captures everything you love about the original: the smoky roasted chiles, the savory meat, the creamy egg mixture, and of course, the glorious cheese. But instead of the traditional method of stuffing chiles and frying them, this recipe delivers all the flavor with none of the fuss. It’s baked, streamlined, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.
This dish is the definition of hearty comfort food with Mexican flair. It’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for any night of the week. Because it’s baked in layers, every slice gives you the perfect combination of textures: tender beef, soft peppers, gooey melted cheese, and a light, custardy topping that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping meals ahead of time, or just craving something warm and delicious, this casserole hits every mark.
In this detailed recipe article, you’ll find everything you need to know: the full ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, ways to customize it, serving ideas, storage tips, and helpful notes to make your casserole come out perfect every time. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole
There are countless casserole recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few key reasons:
1. It’s a simplified version of a classic.
Traditional chiles rellenos require stuffing, battering, and frying—not exactly weeknight-friendly. This version keeps the authentic flavors while making the process way easier.
2. It’s hearty, filling, and flavor-packed.
You get savory beef, roasted green chiles, melted cheese, aromatic onions and garlic, and a fluffy egg mixture. It’s comforting but not heavy.
3. It reheats beautifully.
The flavors deepen overnight, making this an excellent meal-prep dish.
4. Naturally gluten-free.
No flour coating, no breading—just clean, simple, wholesome ingredients.
5. Perfect for any occasion.
Bring it to potlucks, serve it on busy weeknights, or enjoy it for brunch—it’s versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Below is everything you need to make this casserole from scratch. The ingredients are easy to find and inexpensive, yet they come together beautifully.
For the Casserole
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 8–10 large roasted green chiles (canned whole chiles also work)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Egg Topping
- 5 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (or 1 cup milk + ½ cup heavy cream for richness)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour (optional—helps set the mixture)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a flawless Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole every time:
1. Prepare the beef layer.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.
2. Prepare the chiles.
If using fresh roasted chiles, peel off the skin and remove seeds. If using canned whole green chiles, simply drain and pat dry.
3. Build the first layer.
Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Lay half of the chiles across the bottom in an even layer.
4. Add the beef and cheese.
Spoon all the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chiles. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
5. Add the final chile layer.
Arrange the remaining chiles over the cheese, creating another full layer.
6. Whisk the egg mixture.
Whisk eggs, milk, cornstarch (or flour), and salt together until smooth. This mixture gives the casserole its signature custard-like texture.
7. Pour and top.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered chiles and beef. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
9. Cool and serve.
Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together beautifully.
Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, then add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook 1–2 minutes.
- Layer half the green chiles on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread beef mixture evenly over the chile layer and top with 1 cup cheese.
- Add remaining chiles over the cheese.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cornstarch, and salt; pour over casserole layers.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Use good-quality green chiles.
Hatch green chiles deliver amazing flavor and a bit of heat. Canned whole chiles are perfectly acceptable—and convenient.
Drain everything well.
Too much moisture can make the casserole watery. Pat chiles dry, drain beef drippings, and don’t skip resting time.
Want more spice?
Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot Hatch chiles.
Make it ahead.
This casserole can be assembled the day before and baked fresh the next day. Just increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes if cold.
Variations
Chicken Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Swap ground beef for shredded chicken. Season well and continue the recipe as written.
Cheesy Vegetarian Version
Replace beef with black beans, corn, and sautéed zucchini. Add extra cheese for richness.
Low-Carb / Keto
Keep everything as is but use heavy cream instead of milk, and add more cheese.
Breakfast Chiles Rellenos Bake
Add cooked breakfast sausage and extra eggs for a high-protein brunch option.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but adding the right sides can elevate your meal. Try serving it with:
- Mexican rice
- Cilantro-lime cauliflower rice
- A fresh tomato and avocado salad
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Pico de gallo or salsa verde
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
For drinks, pair with lime agua fresca, iced tea, or even a refreshing margarita.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Lasts up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual servings.
Fun Fact: The Heart of Chiles Rellenos
Originally from Puebla, chiles rellenos are a beloved Mexican dish traditionally made with poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, battered, and fried. This casserole pays tribute to the original while keeping it simple and practical for modern kitchens. The flavors are authentic, but the method is streamlined—giving you a comforting, homestyle meal with minimal effort.
