Chili Pasado Con Queso
Chili Pasado Con Queso is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chilies, savory cheese, and a creamy tomato sauce—perfect for spice lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil 6 cups of water and add dried chilies; let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chilies from the water and drain.
- Dice the soaked chilies.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and sauté diced onion until translucent.
- Add diced tomato and cook until softened.
- Mix in the diced chilies and cook for a few more minutes.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of grated cheese until melted and well combined.
- Add salt to taste and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smokier flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or using roasted dried chilies. If you can't find dried chilies, fresh chili peppers can be used as a substitute, but adjust the quantity to taste. For a creamier texture, you can substitute the milk with cream or a non-dairy alternative. This dish also pairs well with a side of tortillas or rice from our Mexican recipes collection.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chili Pasado Con Queso warm as a dip or main dish. It pairs excellently with tortilla chips or warm tortillas. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or rice. This dish also complements well with a side of Easy Party Nachos for a festive gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Pasado Con Queso contains roughly 239 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2239mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried?
Yes, fresh chilies can be used instead of dried, but you'll need to adjust the quantity based on your heat preference. Fresh chilies will not need to be soaked, and you can chop them directly for the recipe.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or even cheddar works well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with flavored cheeses for a unique twist.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Chili Pasado Con Queso recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. Make sure to check your cheese for any animal rennet if you want it to be strictly vegetarian.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).