Ground Beef and Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty casserole combining smoky roasted poblanos, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese in a fluffy egg base for a satisfying weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 70 minutes pairs large poblano peppers, ground beef, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roast 5 large poblano peppers on a baking sheet under the broiler, turning every 3 minutes until skins are charred and blistered, about 10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes, then peel and slice into 1/2-inch strips.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up beef, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk 6 large eggs with 1 cup whole milk until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half the poblano slices on the bottom, then spread half the beef mixture evenly, followed by 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers with remaining poblano slices, beef, and cheese.
  6. Step 6: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the layered ingredients. Gently press down to submerge.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until set and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Ground Beef and Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ground Beef and Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large poblano peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ground Beef and Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ground Beef and Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ground Beef and Poblano Chile Relleno Casserole?

Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.