Queso Relleno(Stuffed Cheese)
A savory stuffed cheese dish featuring melted mozzarella topped with a flavorful ground pork and tomato mixture, perfect for cheese lovers and those craving hearty, spiced comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 large pkg. mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon instant beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- Oil a casserole dish.
- Place the mozzarella cheese in the prepared dish.
- In a skillet, cook ground pork with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in half the undrained tomatoes, salt, oregano, pepper, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Simmer the mixture, covered, for 2 minutes.
- Pour the hot meat mixture over the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the ground pork mixture. If you don't have mozzarella, a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack will work well. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the pork to lighten the dish. For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. This recipe is inspired by various Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Queso Relleno with a side of tortilla chips or fresh guacamole for a delicious appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Tostado Pie or can be complemented by a simple salad for a light meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside some Mexican rice or refried beans to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but the oven will help retain the cheese's texture and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Queso Relleno(Stuffed Cheese) contains roughly 287 calories, with 12g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1809mg per serving (79% 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 make Queso Relleno ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the dish in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake it from the refrigerator; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of ground pork?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground pork, ground beef or chicken are great substitutes. For a vegetarian option, try using a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or a blend of sautéed mushrooms and lentils to create a hearty filling without the meat.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more or less black pepper, or include diced fresh chilies or hot sauce according to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the allspice and cinnamon, which can add warmth, and focus on using sweet bell peppers instead of green ones.
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).