Chile Relleno Casserole

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This chile relleno casserole features all the rich flavors of classic stuffed poblanos in a simplified, one-pan format. Roasted poblano peppers are layered with sautéed aromatics, melty cheese, and a fluffy egg mixture, then baked until golden. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an easy dinner, and easily customizable with chorizo or shredded chicken for added protein. Best served with warm tortillas and your favorite hot sauce. Simple to prepare and satisfying any time of day.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Published By Maria
Updated as of Sun, 29 Jun 2025 18:46:19 GMT
A slice of chile relleno casserole. Bookmark
A slice of chile relleno casserole. | foodbymary.com

This easy chile relleno casserole recipe is the perfect one-pan dish, with roasted poblanos, eggs, and cheese, great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Just don't forget the hot sauce! I love this with a good dose of spicy hot sauce.

Chile Relleno Casserole Ingredients

  • Poblano Peppers: For roasting. You can also use other stuffing peppers, or pre-roasted peppers, like Hatch chiles, or other green chiles.
  • Olive Oil: For cooking.
  • Jalapeno Peppers: For extra spicy heat.
  • Onion:
  • Garlic:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh, chopped, or canned. Tomato sauce is good as well for a smoother casserole.
  • Seasonings: Mexican oregano, paprika, ancho powder (or similar chili powder), cumin, salt and pepper.
  • Eggs:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Or use Monterey jack cheese, pepper jack, or a combination, or other melty cheese of your liking.
  • For Garnish: Spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped herbs.

How to Make Chile Relleno Casserole - the Recipe Steps

Roast and prepare peppers:
Roast your poblano and jalapeno peppers, then peel and slice them into strips.
Cook aromatics:
Sauté jalapeno, onion, and garlic in a large pan until softened, then add tomatoes and spices.
Simmer mixture:
Cook for 10 minutes over medium-low heat until tomatoes are soft and mixture is saucy.
Layer ingredients:
Layer a baking dish with sauce, roasted chiles, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
Add eggs:
Pour in beaten eggs, tilting the pan to let it flow evenly into all areas.
Bake:
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until egg is set and cheese is golden and melty.
Serve:
Serve warm with tortillas and hot sauce.
A slice of chile relleno casserole. Bookmark
A slice of chile relleno casserole. | foodbymary.com

Recipe Tips & Notes

The Peppers. I used poblano peppers here, as they are traditional for chiles rellenos, but you can use Hatch peppers, Anaheim peppers, any larger green peppers that can be roasted.

You can also make this with canned green chilies. If you're looking for a spicier version of this recipe, feel free to bring in a few serrano peppers or habanero peppers to up the heat level.

The Sauce. Try my Homemade enchilada sauce for your base as a time saver.

Or try this Quick and Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe. It would also be quite tasty with Ranchero Sauce.

Additional Ingredients. Want to make this a fuller meal? Incorporate some shredded chicken, Mexican chorizo, or cooked ground beef or pork for a protein, or add refried beans to round it out.

You'll get a heartier meal this way.

A close up of a chile relleno casserole. Bookmark
A close up of a chile relleno casserole. | foodbymary.com

Storage & Leftovers

Store any leftover chile relleno casserole in the refrigerator in a sealed container or covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil up to 5 days.

You can easily reheat it in the oven to enjoy again.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use canned green chilies instead of roasting poblanos?

Yes, canned green chilies are a convenient substitute and save time, though roasted poblanos provide deeper flavor.

→ What type of cheese works best for chile relleno casserole?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack are great choices. Use a melty cheese that complements mild heat.

→ Can I add meat to this dish?

Absolutely. Add cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, or ground beef for extra heartiness.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in the fridge covered for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has mild to moderate heat depending on the peppers used. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for more spice.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components in advance and assemble right before baking for easier timing.

Chile Relleno Casserole

Hearty chile relleno casserole with poblanos, cheese, and eggs. Perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Complete Time
45 minutes
Published By: Maria

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Total Portions: 6 Serves How Many (1 medium casserole)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free

Required Ingredients

→ Produce

01 4 poblano peppers, roasted and peeled
02 2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
03 1 medium onion, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 cups chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes
06 Fresh chopped herbs, for garnish

→ Pantry

07 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
09 1 teaspoon paprika
10 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
11 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 Salt and pepper to taste
13 Spicy chili flakes, for garnish

→ Dairy

14 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack

→ Refrigerated

15 6 large eggs, beaten

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Roast poblano and jalapeño peppers using your preferred method until skin blisters, then peel and slice into strips.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add jalapeños, onion, and garlic; cook until softened.

Step 03

Stir in tomatoes, oregano, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until saucy.

Step 04

In a baking dish, layer tomato mixture, roasted peppers, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers once.

Step 05

Pour beaten eggs over the layered dish. Tilt gently to distribute. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Step 06

Garnish with chili flakes and herbs. Serve warm with tortillas and hot sauce if desired.

Handy Cooking Tips

  1. Substitute Hatch or Anaheim peppers if poblanos are unavailable.
  2. Add cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, or beans for a heartier dish.
  3. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat easily.
  4. Use enchilada or ranchero sauce as a shortcut base.

Necessary Kitchen Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon

Allergy Details

Always check ingredient packaging for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional when in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are for guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Proteins: 14 grams