Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that your whole family will love. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a surefire way to impress your loved ones at the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Slice the poblano peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
- Fill each pepper half with the beef mixture and top with a mixture of cheddar and monterey jack cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Popular Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- How can I make this dish less spicy?
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Pepper jack or mozzarella would be great choices.
If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the chili powder, or choose mild poblano peppers instead of the spicier ones.
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
Helpful Tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
- Top the casserole with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a creamy contrast.
- You can roast the poblano peppers before filling them for a smokier flavor.
- Serve the casserole with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a complete meal.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or leftover taco meat for this recipe.
Expert Secrets:
- Make sure to thoroughly cook the ground beef with the spices to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don’t overcrowd the peppers with the beef mixture to ensure even cooking.
- If you like it extra cheesy, add an extra layer of cheese on top of the beef mixture before baking.
- Try adding a can of diced tomatoes or salsa to the beef mixture for an added burst of flavor.
- To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked quinoa or black beans.
