The Easy Chile Relleno Casserole brings together bold Mexican flavors with the comfort of a warm, baked dish. Roasted poblano peppers lay the foundation, layered with gooey cheese and topped with a light and fluffy egg batter. The real kicker? A homemade tomato sauce packed with charred veggies and authentic spices poured right before serving.
It’s the perfect no-fry alternative to traditional chile rellenos — simple, satisfying, and full of southwest soul. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding the family, or prepping for weekday lunches, this casserole is sure to be a hit on your table.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 poblano peppers
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10 oz Monterey Jack cheese (or other melty cheese like Oaxaca)
Egg Batter:
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3 large eggs (room temperature)
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2½ tbsp all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp milk
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¼ tsp baking powder
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Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Tomato Sauce:
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3 Roma tomatoes
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½ yellow onion
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½ jalapeño pepper
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2 small garlic cloves, skin on
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2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
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1 street taco-sized corn tortilla (or ½ of a regular tortilla)
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1 tsp chicken bouillon
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¼ tsp oregano
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2½ tbsp water
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Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
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Fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges
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Sour cream
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Avocado slices
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Hot sauce
Directions:
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Roast the Poblanos: Set oven to broil. Place whole poblano peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes on each side until skin blisters and blackens.
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Transfer charred peppers to a zip-lock bag and let steam for 5-7 minutes. Peel off skins, remove seeds and stems.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
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Make the Batter: Separate egg whites and yolks. Beat whites until stiff peaks form. Beat in yolks one at a time, then mix in flour, milk, baking powder, salt, and pepper until light and fluffy.
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Assemble: Pour half the egg batter into the baking dish. Layer 2 roasted poblanos, followed by half the cheese. Add remaining poblanos, then more cheese. Pour the rest of the batter and top with remaining cheese.
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Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes before slicing.
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Make the Sauce: While baking, char tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, and garlic (skin on) in a skillet until blistered.
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Remove tomato skins. Add tomatoes, onion, peeled garlic, and jalapeño to a blender. Blend until smooth.
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In the same skillet, heat oil, fry tortilla until crisp, then blend it into the sauce with bouillon, oregano, water, salt, and pepper.
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Return sauce to skillet and simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
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Serve: Spoon sauce on a plate, add casserole slice, garnish with cilantro, avocado, or your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour Kcal: ~320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Chile Relleno Casserole is a great dish for many reasons. For one, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. The recipe takes minimal prep time and is baked in the oven, making it easy for even novice cooks to prepare a delicious, flavorful meal. Unlike traditional chile rellenos that require frying, this casserole provides a no-fuss method for recreating the iconic flavors. It’s also easily customizable, allowing you to add or remove ingredients based on your dietary preferences.
Another key advantage is that it’s a great option for feeding a crowd. The casserole serves multiple people and can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for parties, family gatherings, or busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The roasted poblano peppers add a smoky flavor, and the cheese melts beautifully, combining with the light, airy egg batter to create a wonderfully balanced dish.
The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Special
The secret to this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients used. Poblano peppers are at the heart of Chile Relleno, bringing a mild heat and rich, earthy flavor. Roasting the poblanos enhances their natural smokiness, creating layers of depth in the casserole. When combined with the melty Monterey Jack cheese, the poblanos offer a comforting and satisfying bite.
The egg batter that binds the dish together adds a soft, fluffy texture, making every bite light and airy. Instead of using breadcrumbs or other fillers, this batter makes the casserole hearty without feeling heavy. The homemade tomato sauce, made from charred tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeno, adds a rich and slightly spicy layer of flavor. This homemade sauce is key to adding depth and vibrancy to the dish.
Perfect for a Vegetarian Meal
One of the great things about this Easy Chile Relleno Casserole is that it’s naturally vegetarian. With just poblano peppers, eggs, cheese, and the flavorful homemade sauce, it’s a wholesome and satisfying option for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals. The combination of protein-rich eggs, melty cheese, and fiber-packed peppers makes it both filling and nutritious.
Even if you’re not vegetarian, this dish can be a great addition to your weekly meals as a meatless option. It’s the perfect way to introduce more vegetables into your diet without compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Customizing the Chile Relleno Casserole
While the classic version of this casserole is already delicious on its own, there are many ways to make it your own. If you want to add more protein, consider adding ground beef, shredded chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian protein boost. You can layer the cooked meat into the casserole, just as you would with the cheese and poblano peppers.
Another way to customize the dish is by experimenting with different types of cheese. While Monterey Jack is the go-to cheese for its meltability, you can swap it with Oaxaca, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses to suit your preferences. You can also add extras like black olives, green chilies, or corn to give the casserole more flavor and texture.
For those who like a little heat, you can amp up the spiciness by adding extra jalapenos, hot sauce, or a spicy cheese like pepper jack. If you’re looking for a milder version, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno in the sauce and keep it as a subtle background flavor.
How to Serve Chile Relleno Casserole
This casserole can be served in many ways, depending on the occasion. For a family meal, it pairs beautifully with a side of rice or a fresh Mexican wedge salad. The mild flavors of the casserole complement the crisp, refreshing elements of a salad. If you’re serving this dish at a party, it can be a great appetizer or side dish to complement other Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos or quesadillas.
For a more substantial meal, you can add a few toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, lime wedges, and freshly chopped cilantro. The creamy, tangy toppings add a fresh balance to the rich flavors of the casserole. A drizzle of homemade salsa or hot sauce can add an extra kick, elevating the flavor profile even further.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best features of this Easy Chile Relleno Casserole is that it’s easy to make ahead. If you’re planning for a busy week, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the instructions for a fresh, hot meal.
If you have leftovers, this casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Reheat it in the oven to maintain its texture, or you can microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. After assembling it, but before baking, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Why It’s Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or preparing a comforting weeknight meal, this Easy Chile Relleno Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing choice. It’s great for anyone looking to enjoy the bold flavors of traditional Chile Relleno but with a simpler, oven-baked twist. The combination of roasted poblanos, melty cheese, and homemade sauce creates a dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
This dish can be made on a busy weeknight for a quick, hearty meal or prepared in advance for an upcoming gathering. It’s ideal for vegetarians, but it can also be customized with meat to suit a variety of tastes. The balance of flavors and textures ensures it will be enjoyed by anyone at the table.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Easy Chile Relleno Casserole is a delicious, convenient, and customizable take on the traditional chile relleno. With its rich, smoky poblanos, gooey cheese, and fluffy egg batter, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or prepping for a busy week, this casserole is sure to please. So why not give it a try? You might just find that this simple yet delicious dish becomes your new favorite way to enjoy chile rellenos.