Roasted poblano peppers stuffed with gooey cheese, nestled in a bed of fluffy eggs, all topped with a blanket of melted cheese.

Updated: May 5, 2025

I’ve shared my love of Chili Rellenos. I always try to make them traditionally, but sometimes there just isn’t a lot of time to do that. When that’s the case… I go for the next best thing. Chili Relleno casserole.

I found this recipe in a little “church” cookbook my sister-in-law had. (We like to go through each other’s congregation’s cookbooks! Lol. It sounded simple and delicious… so I copied it down and made it!

It was love at first bite! This is a GREAT substitution when you want chili Rellenos’, but want a quick dinner because you’ve had a long day, and you’re walking around the house like the walking dead! (Can someone please explain to me the fascination with that program? When I see it, I feel like I’m watching home movies of the first 20 years of my motherhood journey!)

I love a recipe that is quick and delicious! I’ve said that before, and I’ll say it again. Especially during the summer when I’m so busy with so many projects. This also makes a wonderful brunch casserole! That said…I think all moms love breakfast for dinner! So, whichever meal you choose to serve this for…you can’t go wrong.

Let me show you how easy this casserole is to make…

How to Make Chili Relleno Casserole

First drain and seed your peppers. You can buy canned whole green peppers, or you can roast either Anaheim peppers or Poblano peppers. My personal favorite are poblanos however it is more work to roast them and then skin them. So I leave it to you to decide. If you’re looking for ease, go the canned route. It will still be amazingly delicious!

Tip: The heat comes from those pesky little seeds! Don’t want all that heat…get rid of those little burning bits! (However, if your “heat” is coming from menopause…you’re on your own sister! I’ve got enough of that myself! Lol)

Next, stuff your peppers with Monterey jack cheese slices. Don’t worry if the sides tear… just roll the pepper really tight around that cheese stick. It will be fine for this casserole. It’s pretty forgiving. In fact, this is a great beginner’s recipe.

Place your stuffed peppers in a greased 10x6x2 baking dish.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine eggs and milk. Beat in flour, baking powder, and salt until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few tiny lumps. I’ve found it’s almost impossible to get this batter perfectly smooth.

Pour the batter over the peppers in the baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese.

Baking Instructions

Place in a preheated 350° oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and center is cooked.

Cut into squares and serve with sour cream and salsa!

Is there seriously anything better than that melted cheese oozing out of the chili pepper? Well…there might be if it pulls up in the publisher’s clearing house van…but after 20 years of waiting for THAT to happen… I’ll keep my money on this!

What to Serve with Chile Rellenos

I made this casserole when our son was home from school to go with the chicken Taquitos he wanted. I also made another family favorite… Fried cheesy crunchy quesadillas!

 When I was growing up, there was a Mexican restaurant my parents went to in California, and they would bring home this delightful treat for us!

I started making them for special Mexican dinner nights… now they are my kids’ favorite. All I do is fry a flour tortilla in oil until golden and crispy.

Drain and place on a baking sheet…cover the tortillas with grated cheese and pop in a hot oven for about 5 minutes. Then cut them into wedges like a pizza.

Recipe Wrap-Up

There ya have it. A quick, easy dinner for the family. Even if the “little’s” at your nest don’t like the Chili Relleno Casserole, they will love that crunchy, cheesy Quesadilla! Top it off with some refried beans, and they’ll have a “Mexican Pizza”.  YUM!

Have leftovers? No problem…the next morning, slice up a square of chili Relleno casserole, place it inside a flour tortilla, heat it up, and you have a quick easy breakfast burrito!

My husband loves this casserole as much as I do! In fact, everyone loves this casserole. So be sure to give it a try at your Nest.

Other Favorite Mexican Dishes

• Instant Pot Pork Chili Verde
• Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
• Loaded Nachos
• Mexican Bean Salad from Allrecipes.com

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Have a GREAT weekend!

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