Name: Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 (27-ounce) can whole green chilies; ½ pound cheddar cheese, grated; ¼ pound Pepper Jack cheese, grated; 1½ cups milk; 6 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into a cozy, comforting form, then you absolutely must try this Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe. It captures the essence of traditional chile rellenos with layers of tender whole green chiles, melty Pepper Jack, and sharp cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a fluffy, eggy batter. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a neatly arranged set of cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. At the top right, there is a white plate filled with green roasted peppers, curved and slightly wrinkled. Below this plate is a clear glass measuring cup with white milk. Toward the left side, there is a white round plate divided into two halves, one side with shredded orange cheddar cheese and the other with shredded white mozzarella cheese. Above this plate is a small white bowl filled with white flour. In the lower center, six brown eggs are placed close together. At the bottom right, three small wooden bowls hold black pepper, coarse salt, and a red spice, likely paprika, arranged in a neat line. The overall look is clean, organized, and bright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe is all about using simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create big, bold flavors and satisfying textures. Each ingredient plays a key part in building the perfect balance between creaminess, gentle heat, and cheesy goodness.

1 (27-ounce) can whole green chilis: These are the star of the show, bringing authentic mild spice and a tender bite to the casserole with no fuss of roasting or peeling.
1½ cups milk: Adds creaminess to the batter, helping create that fluffy, custardy texture that holds everything together.
6 large eggs: Provide structure to the casserole so that it sets perfectly with a light, airy feel.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Works as a binder to give the egg mixture just enough body without weighing it down.
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors, bringing everything to life.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the mild heat of the chiles beautifully.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just enough kick to brighten the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
½ pound cheddar cheese, grated: Sharp and melty, cheddar provides rich, savory notes and a gorgeous golden top when baked.
¼ pound pepper jack cheese, grated: Brings a creamy texture with its mild heat and smooth melt, perfectly balancing the cheddar.

How to Make Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chilies

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, carefully split the whole green chiles lengthwise—no need to wash or remove the seeds, which keeps the dish easy and rustic. This also helps preserve that fantastic chili flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 2: Layer the Chilies and Cheese

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of your chilies across the bottom. Next, sprinkle half of the grated cheddar and pepper jack cheese over the chilies. Repeat by layering the remaining chilies and finishing with the leftover cheese, creating delicious pockets of melted cheese inside.

Step 3: Make the Egg Batter

In a blender, combine the milk, eggs, flour, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and well integrated. This batter is what transforms the casserole from a simple layered dish into a fluffy, souffle-like masterpiece.

Step 4: Bake It to Golden Perfection

Pour the smooth egg batter evenly over the layered chiles and cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing so it holds together perfectly when plated.

How to Serve Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe

A baked dish in a white rectangular baking pan with a golden brown, melted cheese layer on top, showing spots of light and darker yellow cheese with some browned edges; under the cheese, slices of cooked vegetables, likely eggplant, create uneven greenish-brown patches; the dish appears creamy and soft with a bubbly, slightly crispy top layer. The baking pan sits on a white marbled surface with a fork and knife on the left and a beige cloth napkin partially visible on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe, consider fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some finely diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice over each slice can brighten the dish with zesty citrus notes, making every bite even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple yet complementary sides. Think along the lines of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides help balance the richness of the casserole while rounding out your meal with different textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and festive twist, serve slices of the casserole inside soft corn tortillas as a breakfast taco or roll slices into warm flour tortillas for handheld chili relleno wraps. You can also spoon it onto tostadas topped with avocado and salsa for a playful appetizer or party snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal that tastes just as good when reheated the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save this delicious casserole for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place slices individually in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months and be ready whenever you want a comforting, cheesy Mexican-inspired meal.

Reheating

For reheating, thaw frozen casserole slices in the fridge overnight. Warm them up in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and the top crisps up again. Alternatively, a quick microwave reheating works great for smaller portions, just be careful not to overcook so the texture stays fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh green chiles instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just roast, peel, and de-seed the fresh green chiles before using them. Keep in mind this will add a bit more prep time, but it’s a great way to enhance the smoky flavors if you have fresh chiles on hand.

Is this casserole spicy?

This Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe is mild with just a touch of warmth from the green chiles and pepper jack cheese. If you prefer more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg batter.

Can I add meat to this casserole?

Definitely! While the original is vegetarian, cooked ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken would make fantastic additions layered with the chiles and cheese to give the dish extra heartiness.

What can I substitute for pepper jack cheese?

If you don’t have pepper jack, Monterey Jack or a mild mozzarella work well to provide creamy meltiness without changing the flavor profile too much.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

As written, this recipe contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, simply swap it out for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to maintain the right texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring this Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe into your kitchen soon. It’s such a warm, satisfying dish that combines the best of cheesy comfort and classic Mexican flavors in a straightforward, no-fuss way. Trust me, once you try it, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for dinners and gatherings alike!

Easy Chili Relleno Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need