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Baked Chili Rellenos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

Baked Chili Rellenos offer a healthier twist on the classic Mexican dish by roasting poblano peppers and stuffing them with a savory, cheesy filling blended with spices and optional ground meat and black beans. This flavorful and comforting meal is baked to perfection with a bubbly golden crust, perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large poblano peppers, firm and unblemished
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey (optional for lighter option)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack and cheddar) for filling
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (5 g) chili powder
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (additional for cheese mixture)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) salsa
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under the broiler until the skins are charred and blistered. Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel to steam for 10 minutes. Once cooled, gently peel off the charred skin, make a slit on one side, and remove the seeds to create a pocket.
  2. Making the Flavorful Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey, season with salt, pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder, cooking until browned and cooked through. Stir in black beans and diced tomatoes, simmering for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese to melt slightly.
  3. Preparing the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a cheesy blend for stuffing.
  4. Stuffing the Peppers: Using a spoon, fill each peeled and seeded poblano pepper with the meat and bean filling, pressing gently to pack. Alternatively, for a simpler version, stuff with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a greased baking dish, optionally sprinkling additional cheese on top.
  5. Baking to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Garnishing and Serving: Garnish the baked chili rellenos with fresh cilantro and drizzle with sour cream or a squeeze of lime for added zest. Serve warm alongside a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Choose firm and glossy poblanos for best flavor and roasting ease.
  • Steaming after charring is essential to easily peel the skin without tearing the peppers.
  • Adjust spices—add more chili powder or jalapeños for extra heat or reduce for milder flavor.
  • Let the dish rest after baking to allow flavors to fully develop.
  • Try different cheese blends like pepper jack, feta, or goat cheese to experiment with flavor profiles.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit meat and add extra beans or vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms.
  • Prepare stuffed peppers a day ahead and store covered in the fridge to save time; bake right before serving.
  • Adding roasted corn to the filling can provide pleasant sweetness and texture contrast.

Keywords: chili rellenos, baked stuffed peppers, poblano peppers, Mexican recipe, cheesy stuffed peppers, ground beef recipe, healthy chili rellenos, oven-baked chilies

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/baked-chili-rellenos-recipe/