The Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe is cheesy, flavorful and easy to make. It tastes like a classic Mexican dish but is faster to prepare.
This casserole combines roasted green chiles, tender meat and gooey cheese in a creamy sauce. Many people search How to make Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole because it is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, anyone can make it. This recipe is comforting, delicious and always a crowd-pleaser.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this casserole on a busy weekend. I wanted something comforting but easy. The roasted chiles smelled amazing in the oven.
The filling was creamy and flavorful. Cheese melted perfectly on top. My family loved it immediately. Even picky eaters asked for seconds.
The dish was simple to assemble and cleanup was easy. Now, this recipe is a favorite for quick dinners and special occasions. It is always satisfying and flavorful.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Roasted green chiles – 1 cup, chopped
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Canned diced tomatoes – 1 cup
- Cream cheese – 8 ounces, softened
- Sour cream – ½ cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – 1 cup
- Eggs – 3, beaten
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. Cook the beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add vegetables
Add diced onion, garlic, and roasted chiles to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in tomatoes
Add diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 3 more minutes.
5. Prepare creamy mixture
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
6. Combine beef and creamy mixture
Add beef mixture to the creamy mixture. Stir until ingredients are evenly blended.
7. Assemble casserole
Pour mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
8. Add cheese
Top casserole with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Spread evenly for full coverage.
9. Bake
Place casserole in oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Serve
Remove casserole from oven. Let it rest 5 minutes. Serve warm with favorite sides.
Recipe Tips
- Roast chiles in advance for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses for richness.
- Stir eggs into cream cheese carefully to avoid lumps.
- Taste filling before baking to adjust seasoning.
- Let casserole rest briefly for easier slicing.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot. It pairs well with fresh tortillas or tortilla chips. Add a simple green salad for freshness.
Salsa or guacamole on the side enhances flavor. A squeeze of lime adds brightness. This dish is filling and satisfying for dinner.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Fresh guacamole or pico de gallo
- Tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas
- Simple green salad
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave works for smaller portions. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Cheese will stay melty when reheated carefully.
Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Roasted green chiles – 1 cup chopped
- Onion – 1 medium diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves minced
- Canned diced tomatoes – 1 cup
- Cream cheese – 8 ounces softened
- Sour cream – ½ cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – 1 cup
- Eggs – 3 beaten
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
Cook the beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add vegetables
- Add diced onion, garlic, and roasted chiles to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in tomatoes
- Add diced tomatoes to the skillet. Mix well and cook for 3 more minutes.
Prepare creamy mixture
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, beaten eggs, salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine beef and creamy mixture
- Add beef mixture to the creamy mixture. Stir until ingredients are evenly blended.
Assemble casserole
- Pour mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Add cheese
- Top casserole with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Spread evenly for full coverage.
Bake
- Place casserole in oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
- Remove casserole from oven. Let it rest 5 minutes. Serve warm with favorite sides.
Notes
- Roast chiles in advance for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses for richness.
- Stir eggs into cream cheese carefully to avoid lumps.
- Taste filling before baking to adjust seasoning.
- Let casserole rest briefly for easier slicing.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving for best results.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken works. Adjust seasoning to taste for a lighter flavor.
What if I don’t have roasted chiles?
Use canned green chiles or mild roasted peppers. They provide a similar taste and texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking in an airtight container. Thaw in fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Is this casserole spicy?
It is mild. Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat if desired.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole Recipe is easy, cheesy and full of flavor. It brings classic Mexican taste to your kitchen without stress.
Now you know How to make Pioneer Woman’s Chile Relleno Casserole at home. With simple ingredients, it is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
This casserole is creamy, satisfying and always a family favorite. Give it a try, and it may become a regular on your dinner table.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
