Mediterranean Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole
A savory fusion of Tex-Mex comfort and Mediterranean flair—this baked casserole features fire-roasted chiles stuffed with seasoned ground beef, herbs, and cheese, all layered in a light egg mixture and baked until golden and bubbling.
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (or use fresh roasted green chiles, peeled and deseeded)
4–5 whole roasted poblano or Anaheim chiles, split and seeds removed
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for Mediterranean flair)
For the Egg Mixture:
4 large eggs
¾ cup milk (or half and half for richness)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
¼ teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Sliced olives or cherry tomatoes (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish.
Prepare Beef Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Stir in ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
Add cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and green chiles. Mix well and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble Chiles:
Lay the split poblano or Anaheim chiles in the baking dish. Spoon beef mixture inside each chile. Layer any extra filling around them.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle mozzarella (or Jack) and optional crumbled feta evenly over the beef-stuffed chiles.
Prepare Egg Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour gently over the chiles and cheese.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Garnish & Serve:
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, olives, or tomatoes if desired.
Tips
Roast your own chiles: For deeper flavor, roast poblano or Anaheim chiles under the broiler until blistered, then peel and deseed.
Drain excess grease: If your beef renders a lot of fat, drain it before adding seasonings to prevent a greasy casserole.
Even layering: Make sure the egg mixture is poured evenly across the top to bind the layers properly during baking.
Rest before slicing: Letting the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking helps it firm up and slice cleanly.
Customize the heat: Use mild or hot chiles depending on your spice preference. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the beef for extra heat.
Variations
Cheese options: Swap mozzarella or Monterey Jack for shredded cheddar, provolone, or kasseri cheese for a more Mediterranean taste.
Make it vegetarian: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a seasoned plant-based meat alternative.
Low-carb/keto version: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the egg mixture.
Add Mediterranean veggies: Include chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or artichoke hearts for more color and nutrition.
Top with sauce: Drizzle with a light tomato sauce, tzatziki, or yogurt-garlic sauce before serving for added moisture and flavor.
Mini servings: Bake in individual ramekins or muffin tins for single-serve portions—great for meal prep or entertaining.
Q&A
Q: Can I use canned green chiles instead of roasting fresh ones?
A: Yes! Canned green chiles are convenient and mild. For more authentic flavor, roast poblano or Anaheim chiles at home.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, slice, and wrap individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
A: Definitely. Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work well. For a vegetarian option, try lentils, black beans, or tofu crumbles.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A: It pairs beautifully with a Greek salad, lemon rice, couscous, or a side of roasted veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~370
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~420mg
(Values may vary based on cheese, milk, and specific ingredients used)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Baked Beef Chiles Rellenos Casserole is a bold, comforting dish that brings together smoky chiles, savory beef, melted cheese, and a fluffy egg base—all with a Mediterranean twist. It’s hearty enough for dinner, easy enough for busy weeknights, and versatile enough for prepping ahead or adapting to various dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something unique and satisfying, this casserole delivers flavor, comfort, and simplicity in every bite.