Chilies Rellenos Bake(A Hearty "Hot" Chili Bake For Simple Suppers)
A hearty baked chili dish featuring green chilies, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar, perfect for satisfying family dinners with bold flavors and comforting warmth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef and onion; drain.
- Sprinkle meat with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Halve chilies crosswise; remove seeds.
- Place half of the chilies in a 10 x 6 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish; sprinkle with cheese.
- Top with meat mixture.
- Arrange remaining chilies over meat.
- Combine remaining ingredients; beat until smooth.
- Pour over chilies.
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 45 to 50 minutes until knife inserted comes out clean.
- Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile. Adding spices like cumin or chili powder can enhance the dish's warmth. Make sure to drain the chilies well to prevent excess moisture which can make the bake soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chilies Rellenos Bake with a side of tortilla chips for a delightful crunch, or pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It also goes well with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside Aunt Ruthie's Chili Relleno Casserole for a delicious Mexican-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium until hot, making it a quick meal option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilies Rellenos Bake(A Hearty "Hot" Chili Bake For Simple Suppers) contains roughly 383 calories, with 18g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1110mg per serving (48% 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 prepare Chilies Rellenos Bake in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for a flavorful meal when baked.
What can I do with leftover Chilies Rellenos Bake?
Leftovers can be repurposed into breakfast burritos. Simply scramble some eggs and wrap them in a tortilla with the leftover bake for a hearty morning meal. You can also serve it as a filling for quesadillas or on top of nachos for a quick snack.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground chuck with black beans or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition. This can transform the dish into a delicious vegetarian option while still retaining the comforting flavors.
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).