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Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole Cheesy Mexican

This comforting casserole combines smoky roasted poblano peppers generously filled with a savory ground beef mixture, all nestled in a vibrant tomato sauce and baked until bubbling with gooey, melted cheese. It's a satisfying twist on classic chiles rellenos, perfect for a family meal.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Poblano Chiles
  • 6 large poblano peppers
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Ground Beef Filling
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese or a Mexican blend
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • desired amount Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • desired amount Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • desired amount Lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Tongs
  • Small Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Roast and Prepare Poblano Chiles
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place whole poblano peppers on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until skins are blistered and charred.
  2. Carefully transfer roasted poblanos to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and let steam for 10-15 minutes. This makes them easier to peel. Once cooled enough to handle, peel the skin from the chiles. Make a slit lengthwise down one side of each chile, carefully remove seeds and membranes, trying to keep the chiles intact. Set aside.
Prepare Ground Beef Filling
  1. While chiles are steaming, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
Prepare Tomato Sauce
  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup broth, salt, pepper, and optional sugar. Stir well.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread about half of the prepared tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
  2. Carefully stuff each peeled poblano chile with a generous amount of the ground beef filling. Arrange the stuffed chiles in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish.
  3. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the chiles. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheeses.
Bake the Casserole
  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  2. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced avocado, if desired. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

• **Chile Roasting Tip**: For even charring, a broiler can also be used. Place chiles under a hot broiler, turning every few minutes until all sides are blistered.
• **Make Ahead**: The beef filling and the tomato sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
• **Spice Level**: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling or a diced jalapeño along with the onion.
• **Cheese Variation**: Feel free to use your favorite melting cheeses, such as cheddar, Oaxaca cheese, or a Mexican blend.