Welcome to a culinary adventure with our Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole! This delightful dish combines the smoky flavor of roasted poblano peppers with a savory, spiced ground beef filling, all crowned with a luscious layer of melted Mexican cheese. It's an exquisite fusion of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible option for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something special. Whether you're an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding.
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 large poblano peppers: Halved and seeded. These peppers add a unique smoky flavor that defines the dish.
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef: You can adjust this amount to your taste, but this is the standard amount for a hearty filling.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Provides a robust, spicy flavor that complements the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A key spice in Mexican cuisine, giving a warm, earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal freshness to the beef.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper: For a bit of heat, adjust to your preference.
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika: Adds color and a mild peppery taste.
- ¼ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper: Provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory balance to the beef mixture.
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers: These tomatoes add a juicy, tangy element, with the green chiles bringing additional spice.
- Cooking spray: To prepare the baking sheet and casserole dish.
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: This mix of cheeses melts beautifully and provides a rich, creamy topping.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to prepare the Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven's broiler and position the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the halved poblano peppers cut-side down on the sheet. Broil the peppers until their skins blacken and blister, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let them steam as they cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
While the peppers are steaming, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chili powder, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir the mixture until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Next, add the chopped onion to the beef mixture and cook until it begins to soften, around 2 minutes. Finally, add the diced tomatoes with green chiles and cook until the onions are fully translucent, about 5 more minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the beef mixture to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Once the peppers have cooled, peel off their skins under running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place a layer of the peeled peppers on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with one-third of the beef mixture, followed by 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Repeat these layers two more times, ensuring that the final layer is topped with cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bake the assembled casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 35 minutes. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For added flair, garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. This dish is not only perfect for dinner but also makes for a delightful leftover. To store, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or rewarm in a preheated oven until heated through.