Chili Rellenos Casserole


 Cuisine: Mexican  Type: Entree

Chili Rellenos Casserole : Entree in Mexican cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Eggs
6 large (360)
Milk
1 cup (240)
All Purpose Flour
1 cup (120)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (4.8)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5.9)
Monterey Jack Cheese
2 cups (480)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (240)
Green Chilies
2 cans (400)
Tomato Sauce
1 cup (240)
Hot Sauce
1 teaspoon (4.2)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (2.3)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (2.8)
 Totals
74 oz (2,100 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Eggs
70
Milk
120
Flour
455
Baking Powder
5
Salt
0
Green Chilies
40
Cheddar Cheese
113
Monterey Jack Cheese
106
Cottage Cheese
220
Salsa
10
Chopped Tomatoes
25
Onion
44
Garlic
4
Cumin
22
Paprika
20
Black Pepper
3
Olive Oil
119
Cilantro
0
Sour Cream
23
Avocado
160
 Totals
1,559 kcal

 Steps 


1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.

2. Begin by preparing the chili peppers. If using fresh peppers, roast them over an open flame or under the broiler until the skin is charred. Place the roasted peppers in a plastic bag and let them steam for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the skin. Peel off the skin, make a small slit lengthwise, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. If using canned peppers, drain and rinse them.

3. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

4. Add ground beef or any other protein of your choice to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

5. Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste. Stir well to combine the flavors.

6. Spread a layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the greased baking dish.

7. Place the prepared chili peppers on top of the meat mixture in a single layer. You can arrange them side by side or slightly overlapping.

8. Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cheddar, evenly over the chili peppers.

9. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This will be the batter for the casserole.

10. Pour the batter over the chili peppers and cheese, ensuring it covers everything evenly.

11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

12. Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

13. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade Chili Rellenos Casserole, a delicious Mexican dish!

 Substitutions 


- Instead of poblano peppers, you can use bell peppers or Anaheim peppers. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar, Colby, or pepper jack cheese. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- For the sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt in the same quantity.
- If you don't have all-purpose flour, you can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a substitute. Adjust the quantity as needed.
- Instead of milk, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk in the same quantity.
- If you don't have garlic powder, you can use minced fresh garlic. Use 1 clove of minced garlic for every 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- If you don't have ground cumin, you can use chili powder or smoked paprika as a substitute. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
- Instead of ground black pepper, you can use white pepper in the same quantity.
- If you don't have dried oregano, you can use dried basil or thyme as a substitute. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
- For the tomato sauce, you can substitute it with tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. Adjust the quantity as needed.
- If you don't have cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as an alternative. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil in the same quantity.

Note: The adjustments required in the preparation may vary depending on the substitutions made. Please refer to the original recipe for specific cooking instructions.

 Pairings 


- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Salsa verde
- Corn tortillas
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Mexican street corn
- Cilantro lime rice
- Black beans
- Mexican Caesar salad
- Margarita
- Mexican beer

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top of the casserole for a pop of color.
- Add a drizzle of sour cream or Mexican crema in a decorative pattern over the casserole.
- Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with thinly sliced fresh jalapeños or colorful bell peppers for added visual appeal.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Use a combination of different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even a creamy goat cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Add a layer of crispy bacon or chorizo between the layers of chili and cheese for a smoky and savory twist.
- Incorporate roasted corn kernels or diced roasted poblanos for added texture and a hint of smokiness.
- Mix in some diced tomatoes or roasted red bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and acidity.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular ground beef with high-quality ground Wagyu or Kobe beef for an indulgent and tender bite.
- Use premium imported Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca or Manchego for a unique and rich flavor.
- Incorporate a layer of sautéed lobster or shrimp for a luxurious seafood twist.
- Top the casserole with a dollop of truffle-infused sour cream or drizzle with truffle oil for an extravagant touch.

Remember to experiment with these enhancements to find the perfect balance that suits your taste preferences. Enjoy your next-level Chili Rellenos Casserole!

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace regular cheese with reduced-fat or low-fat cheese to lower overall fat and calorie content.
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to increase the fiber and vitamin content.
- Use a smaller amount of oil or cooking spray when sautéing vegetables to reduce added fat.
- Consider using a homemade or low-sodium canned enchilada sauce to control sodium intake.
- If you have gluten intolerance, ensure that all ingredients used, including spices and sauces, are gluten-free.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, use lactose-free cheese or dairy-free alternatives.
- To reduce the overall calorie content, use egg whites or egg substitutes instead of whole eggs.
- Consider adding a variety of herbs and spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano to enhance flavor without adding extra salt or fat.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole grain tortillas instead of regular tortillas to increase fiber content.
- Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce saturated fat.
- Use reduced-fat cheese or a combination of reduced-fat and regular cheese to lower overall fat content.
- Incorporate more vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for added nutrients and fiber.
- Bake or grill the peppers instead of frying them to reduce oil absorption.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that still provides creaminess.
- Use homemade or low-sodium canned tomato sauce to control sodium intake.
- Add black beans or kidney beans for extra fiber and plant-based protein.
- Consider adding spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika for flavor instead of relying on excessive salt.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of high-fat toppings like guacamole or queso dip.

 Shortcuts 


1. Use canned whole green chilies instead of fresh ones to save time on roasting and peeling.
2. Substitute shredded Mexican blend cheese for expensive specialty cheeses like Oaxaca or Queso Fresco.
3. Opt for ground beef or chicken instead of more expensive cuts like steak or pork.
4. Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld and saving time on the day of serving.
5. Use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch.
6. Replace traditional batter-dipped chilies with a simple layer of beaten eggs to save time and effort.
7. Consider using frozen corn instead of fresh corn kernels to save both time and money.
8. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to stretch the dish and make it more economical.
9. Utilize leftover rice as a base layer in the casserole instead of cooking fresh rice.
10. Serve the casserole with simple toppings like salsa or sour cream instead of expensive garnishes like avocado or cilantro.