Baked Mexican Chiles Rellenos

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Baked Mexican Chiles Rellenos 🌶️✨

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner? These Baked Mexican Chiles Rellenos are a delicious twist on the traditional fried version. Instead of deep-frying, this recipe keeps things lighter (and easier!) by baking the peppers, while still delivering that irresistible combination of savory beef, fluffy rice, melted cheese, and bold Mexican spices.

This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with guacamole, sour cream, or even a fresh green salad. Each bite is warm, cheesy, and full of authentic flavors you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier than traditional chiles rellenos – Baked, not fried!
  • Family-approved flavors – Cheesy, savory, and perfectly spiced.
  • Easy weeknight dinner – Simple steps with minimal cleanup.
  • Customizable filling – Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or even beans for a vegetarian twist.
  • Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully for quick lunches.

Ingredients

For the Peppers

  • 🌶️ 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 🥩 1 lb ground beef
  • 🍚 1 cup cooked rice
  • 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 🍅 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 🌿 Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange bell pepper halves in a baking dish, cut side up.

2. Cook the Filling

  • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
  • Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
  • Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

3. Season and Combine

  • Mix in tomato sauce, cooked rice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

4. Stuff the Peppers

  • Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper half, packing it down slightly.
  • Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

5. Bake

  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve warm with guacamole, sour cream, or a side of Mexican rice.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • Make it vegetarian – Swap beef for black beans or pinto beans for a meatless version.
  • Cheese options – Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco for extra flavor.
  • Add heat – Use poblano peppers instead of bell peppers for a spicier, more traditional take.
  • Meal prep friendly – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.

Important Notes

  • Be sure to pre-cook the rice before mixing it into the filling.
  • Don’t overstuff the peppers—leave a little space so the cheese can melt nicely on top.
  • Use a baking dish that fits the peppers snugly so they stay upright while baking.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 stuffed pepper half)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg

(Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and cheese selection.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: What’s the best pepper to use for this recipe?
Bell peppers are mild and perfect for stuffing. For a more authentic flavor, try poblano peppers, though they’ll add more heat.

Q3: Can I freeze Baked Chiles Rellenos?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked peppers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Q4: What sides go best with this dish?
Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or even a fresh green salad make excellent companions.

🌶️✨ With its cheesy filling, warm spices, and hearty texture, this Baked Mexican Chiles Rellenos recipe is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and authentic flavor straight to your table.

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