By Chili Relleno Casserole is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Chili Relleno Casserole captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Chili Relleno Casserole becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
27 ounces green chilies (1 can), whole chilies, preferably Hatch brand
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 pound grated cheese (Monterey Jack or white cheddar)
12 corn tortillas
16 ounces refried beans
Topping:
4 eggs, beaten well
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup evaporated milk (small can)
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, flour, evaporated milk, hot sauce, paprika, onion powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat with chopped onions until the onions are soft and the meat is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the refried beans to the skillet with the ground beef and onions, and mix until fully incorporated.
Cut the corn tortillas into 1-inch wide strips. Arrange half of the tortilla strips in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Layer half of the green chilies evenly over the tortilla strips, followed by half of the grated cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, green chilies, and cheese.
Pour the prepared egg mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Spoon the meat and bean mixture over the egg mixture layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Once cooked through and bubbly, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Prep Time: See Recipe
Cooking Time: See Recipe
Total Time: See Recipe
Servings: See Recipe
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
