If you crave a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the smoky heat of green chiles with hearty ground beef and a luscious cheesy topping, you have to try this Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe. This casserole takes inspiration from classic chiles rellenos but turns it into an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that is perfect for any occasion. The blend of tender green chiles, well-seasoned beef, and a fluffy, golden egg batter creates a dish that’s both satisfying and irresistibly delicious, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe is simple yet essential, playing a unique role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Together, they create a dish that’s both approachable and packed with Mexican-inspired goodness.

Whole green chiles: Adds smoky, slightly spicy flavor and a tender bite that embodies the essence of chiles rellenos.
Ground beef: Brings richness and heartiness, making this casserole a filling main course.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity note and helps mellow the spices.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Garlic: Offers bright, aromatic layers that elevate the savory profile.
Ground cumin: Brings warmth and a hint of earthiness that’s classic in Mexican dishes.
Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the meat mixture.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning components that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, golden layers that tie the casserole together.
Eggs: Whisked with milk and flour to make a fluffy, light crust that cushions the filling.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the egg batter for a tender, custardy texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the egg mixture and gives structure to the casserole’s topping.
Baking powder: Ensures the topping puffs up perfectly during baking for an inviting golden finish.

How to Make Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the oven and skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for browning the beef and onion.

Step 2: Cook the beef mixture

Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion to the hot skillet. Cook until the beef is browned all the way through and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being greasy.

Step 3: Season and finish the filling

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. These spices will infuse the beef with rich, vibrant flavors that perfectly complement the mild chiles.

Step 4: Layer the casserole

Arrange half of the drained, split-open green chiles evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture over the chiles, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top. Finish by layering the remaining green chiles over the cheese for a beautiful, colorful presentation.

Step 5: Make the egg batter

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, flour, and baking powder until smooth and free of lumps. This mixture will bake into a fluffy, golden crust that holds the casserole together and adds a light texture contrast to the savory filling.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Pour the egg batter evenly over the layered casserole, then place it in the oven uncovered. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is puffed, set in the center, and baked to a gorgeous light golden color. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set up and make serving a breeze.

How to Serve Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, offer fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, dollops of sour cream, or a side of your favorite salsa. The bright acidity and creaminess brighten up the rich flavors and add a refreshing contrast to each bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. These options complement the spicy beef and cheesy layers, balancing your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for personal casseroles or add a sprinkle of diced fresh jalapeños on top before baking for an extra punch of heat. You can also top with chopped green onions or avocado slices to add fresh textures and colors right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect dish for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick meal or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep it moist, until heated through. This keeps the casserole moist while refreshing the cheesy, eggy topping.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack and cheddar are classic choices, but you can experiment with Pepper Jack for a bit of heat or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make the casserole gluten-free without compromising texture.

How spicy is this casserole?

It’s mildly spicy thanks to the green chiles and chili powder. If you prefer more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese to increase the spice level.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and beans for a vegetarian version that still delivers plenty of flavor and texture.

What can I serve with this casserole for a balanced meal?

Pair it with a fresh salad, a side of black beans or refried beans, and a serving of Mexican rice to round out the meal with veggies, fiber, and extra protein.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that makes dinner feel like a celebration right at home. It comes together easily but delivers big on flavor and comfort, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. I promise, once you try it, this casserole will become one of your go-to favorites — so don’t wait to make it your own!