Easy Chile Relleno Casserole

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If you’re craving the rich, cheesy, mildly spicy flavors of a traditional chile relleno without the time-consuming prep work, this Easy Chile Relleno Casserole will be your new go-to. It delivers all the satisfying taste of the classic Mexican dish but with a simple baked twist. No frying or stuffing required, just layers of roasted green chiles, creamy egg mixture, and gooey cheese that come together in one comforting bite.

This casserole is perfect for brunch, dinner, or even as a meal prep option throughout the week. The best part? It pairs beautifully with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa. Whether you’re serving guests or just feeding the family, it’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chile Relleno Casserole

• No Frying Needed: Skip the mess of oil and batter – this casserole gives you all the flavor without the fuss.
• Great for Any Meal: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead and reheat slices throughout the week.
• Vegetarian Delight: Satisfying and meatless, it’s perfect for vegetarians or Meatless Mondays.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, creamy, and comforting – everyone will go back for seconds.

What Kind of Chiles Should I Use?

For an authentic taste, whole roasted green chiles are best – preferably Hatch or Anaheim chiles. You can roast them yourself or use canned whole green chiles for convenience. They add just the right level of mild heat and deep roasted flavor. If you like it spicier, feel free to mix in some chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese. Just be sure to drain the canned chiles well to prevent a watery casserole.

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Ingredients for the Easy Chile Relleno Casserole

This casserole uses simple ingredients that come together for a rich, satisfying dish. Each ingredient adds an important layer of flavor or texture.

• Roasted Green Chiles: These form the base of the casserole and provide a smoky, mildly spicy flavor. Use canned whole green chiles or roast fresh ones.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a strong cheesy depth that complements the mild chiles.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy and melty, it balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together, creating a fluffy, custardy texture.
• Milk: Whole milk or 2% works best to create a creamy egg mixture.
• Flour: A small amount of flour gives the egg mixture a bit of structure.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a light, puffy finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To enhance and balance all the other flavors.

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How To Make the Easy Chile Relleno Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Chiles

Lay half of the roasted green chiles flat on the bottom of the dish. This will act as your flavorful base.

Step 3: Add Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chiles.

Step 4: Repeat Layers

Add another layer of the remaining chiles followed by the rest of the cheese.

Step 5: Make the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered chiles and cheese. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or green onions if desired.

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Serving and Storing Easy Chile Relleno Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it’s also easy to pair with side dishes for a more complete meal. It makes 6 generous servings, perfect for feeding the family or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

To store leftovers, simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or in a 300°F oven until warmed through. It also freezes well: wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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What to Serve With Easy Chile Relleno Casserole?

Mexican Rice

A classic pairing that adds a flavorful, slightly tangy side to balance the richness of the casserole.

Refried Beans

Creamy beans offer a protein-rich and satisfying complement to the cheesy layers.

Fresh Green Salad

A light, crisp salad with lime vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast.

Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Add crunch and spice to your meal with your favorite salsa or pico de gallo.

Guacamole

Creamy avocado dip is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with the chiles and cheese.

Roasted Vegetables

Colorful roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make a nutritious and flavorful addition.

Cornbread or Tortillas

Soft tortillas or a slice of sweet cornbread are great for soaking up any extra eggy-cheesy goodness.

Pickled Jalapeños or Radishes

These add a zesty bite that cuts through the richness of the dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while your oven preheats.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, while mozzarella gives you extra meltiness. You can even add a little crumbled queso fresco for authenticity.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely. Cooked ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken are all great additions. Layer it between the chiles and cheese for a heartier version.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add meat? Did you sneak in extra spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more recipes like this, be sure to follow me on Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally.

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Conclusion

This Easy Chile Relleno Casserole is everything you love about the classic dish made effortless. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and bursting with bold chile flavor – perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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