Chili relleno casserole is a classic Mexican dish that is easy to make and will be a hit at your next get together. This delicious dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It is a great dish to serve as a side dish or even as the main course. The combination of flavors from the cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and chilies will have your guests begging for more. The best part about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to bake. So, if you are looking for a quick and easy Mexican dish, then this chili relleno casserole is just what you need.
Ingredients
This chili relleno casserole recipe is a delicious and easy to make dish that is sure to please. To make this dish, you will need: 12 ounces of diced green chilies, 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You will also need a 9 X 13 inch baking dish.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease your 9 X 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the diced green chilies evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with the grated cheddar cheese. In a medium bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt. Pour this mixture over the cheddar cheese and chilies. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations
If you are looking for a way to make this dish even more delicious, you can add some cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the mixture. You can also add some black beans or corn for an even heartier dish. If you are looking for a spicier version of this dish, you can add some extra chili powder or diced jalapenos. If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, you can use low-fat versions of the sour cream and cheese.
Tips
Chili relleno casserole can be served as a side dish or as a main course. If you are serving it as a side dish, it pairs great with some Spanish rice or refried beans. You can also top it with some fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. If you are serving it as a main course, it pairs great with a Mexican salad or a side of chips and salsa.
Serving Suggestions
This Chili Relleno Casserole is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. You can also top it with some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices for added flavor. If you are looking for a way to make it even more special, you can top it with some queso fresco or crumbled Cotija cheese. You can also top it with some freshly made guacamole or pico de gallo for an added kick.
Storage
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the chili relleno casserole up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the instructions above.
Conclusion
Chili relleno casserole is a classic Mexican dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It is a great dish to make ahead of time and can easily be served as a side dish or main course. With this easy to follow recipe, you can make this delicious dish in no time. So, if you are looking for a quick and easy Mexican dish, then this chili relleno casserole is just what you need.
