Experience the Bold Taste of New Mexico with Our Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Photo byfamily cook recipes

In the heart of New Mexico, where the heat of the desert is matched only by the bold flavors of its cuisine, there’s a dish that brings the essence of the Southwest to life: Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole. This savory dish brings together roasted poblano peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a blanket of melted cheese, creating a casserole that bursts with the warmth and spice of New Mexican cooking.

The Soul of New Mexico in Every Bite

Chiles Rellenos are a staple in New Mexican kitchens, and this casserole version takes all the traditional elements and turns them into a hearty, comforting meal. By roasting the poblano peppers until their skins blacken, you unlock a deep, smoky flavor that sets the stage for layers of seasoned beef and tangy cheese. Each bite is an explosion of spice, texture, and comfort, a testament to the state’s love for chile peppers and vibrant, bold tastes.

What makes this casserole shine is the mix of traditional spices like cumin, oregano, and chipotle that combine with ground beef to create a flavorful base. Add in the fresh taste of roasted poblanos, and you have a dish that’s as rich in culture as it is in flavor.

Recipe: New Mexico Style Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole

Ingredients:

• 6 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions:

1. Set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the poblano peppers, cut-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Broil the peppers until the skins are blackened and blistered, about 5-8 minutes. Place them in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes. This will make it easy to peel the skins off.
3. In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne, paprika, chipotle, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
4. Add chopped onions to the beef and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
6. Run water over the cooled poblano peppers and peel off the skins. Pat them dry with paper towels.
7. Layer half of the roasted peppers on the bottom of the prepared dish, then add one-third of the beef mixture, and top with one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat layers two more times.
8. Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.

A Slice of Southwestern Comfort

This Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is more than just a meal; it's a reflection of New Mexico’s deep connection to its cultural and culinary roots. The combination of roasted peppers, spiced beef, and melted cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering of friends and family.

The next time you're craving a taste of the Southwest, try this recipe and experience how New Mexican cuisine makes even the simplest ingredients sing with flavor.

Here are several great sources for the Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole recipe:

1. AllRecipes provides a step-by-step guide for a Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole that uses roasted poblano peppers, seasoned ground beef, and a variety of spices. The casserole is topped with shredded Mexican cheese and baked to perfection​(Allrecipes).
2. The Spruce Eats features a simplified version of the traditional chile rellenos with canned green chiles and ground beef, layered with cheese and an egg mixture for a crispy finish. This version deconstructs the original for a quicker preparation​(The Spruce Eats).
3. Salad in a Jar offers a variation with a Tex-Mex flair, incorporating taco seasoning and a creamy egg mixture. This recipe emphasizes ease of preparation and can be customized with different meats​(Salad in a Jar).
4. Great Grub, Delicious Treats shares a rich and flavorful take on the dish, focusing on roasted poblano peppers, three types of cheese, and a savory egg mixture to create a comforting casserole​(Great Grub Delicious Treats).

These resources provide various spins on the casserole, offering flexibility in ingredients and preparation methods. You can explore these recipes further through the provided links for more detailed instructions!