Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe: Ultimate Cheesy Goodness

As a child, I always found myself drawn to the vibrant, intoxicating aromas that emanated from my grandmother’s kitchen. I remember the warmth of the oven and the lively chatter as she prepared meals for the family. One dish that always stood out was her stuffed chili relleno recipe. The combination of smoky, roasted peppers and a savory stuffing was nothing short of magical.

These culinary experiences became a cornerstone of my cooking journey. Each bite of a stuffed chili relleno brings back fond memories of those family gatherings, where food was more than just sustenance—it was a celebration. Crafting this dish in my own kitchen evokes a sense of nostalgia and joy, reminding me of the importance of sharing meals with loved ones.

Cooking should be an adventure, a creative outlet that brings people together. With this stuffed chili relleno recipe, I hope to inspire you to create your own kitchen memories. This dish is not just about the flavors but the process—the roasting, the stuffing, and the baking all come together to create something truly special.

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Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe

Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe

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  • Author: Chloe
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Discover how to make the most delicious stuffed chili relleno recipe with our easy-to-follow instructions. Elevate your cooking skills today!


Ingredients

  • 4 large poblano peppers
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15 ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice (185 g)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (170 g)
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen (160 g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 g)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (115 g)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (240 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, optional (15 g)


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast the peppers in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until skins are charred.
  4. Remove peppers from the oven and place them in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let them steam for 10 minutes.
  5. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  6. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute.
  8. Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, and corn kernels.
  9. Add ground cumin and chili powder to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
  10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
  11. Carefully peel the skins off the poblano peppers and make a slit down one side of each pepper.
  12. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside of the peppers.
  13. Stuff each pepper with the rice and bean mixture.
  14. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
  15. Pour tomato sauce over the peppers.
  16. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the peppers.
  17. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  18. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  19. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
  20. Serve warm.

Notes

  • For added heat, mix in hot sauce or red pepper flakes with the rice and bean filling before stuffing the peppers.
  • Try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a unique flavor variation.
  • For a meatier option, consider adding cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to the filling mixture.

Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe: Fundamentals and Preparation

Fundamentals

The stuffed chili relleno recipe is a delightful marriage of flavors and textures. It features large poblano peppers, which are roasted to bring out their smoky essence. The stuffing combines hearty ingredients like cooked rice, black beans, and corn, seasoned with ground cumin and chili powder to add depth and warmth.

Cheese is a crucial component, offering a creamy contrast to the peppers’ heat. Topped with tomato sauce, it adds a tangy note that complements the dish perfectly. This recipe is versatile, allowing for personal touches and variations, but the core elements remain the same for the authentic chili relleno experience.

Preparation/setup

Start by gathering all the ingredients: four large poblano peppers, vegetable oil, a small onion, garlic, cooked rice, canned black beans, corn kernels, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, shredded cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh cilantro. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting.

Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure even charring. Once the skins are blistered, transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover them with plastic wrap. Let them steam for 10 minutes, which makes peeling easier.

Mastering the Stuffed Chili Relleno

Technique

In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic for an aromatic base. Stir in cooked rice, black beans, and corn kernels, mixing well to combine the flavors.

Add ground cumin and chili powder, stirring the mixture to evenly distribute the spices. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then remove from heat. This flavorful stuffing forms the heart of your stuffed chili relleno recipe.

Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe

Tips/tricks

For a smoother process, prepare the stuffing while the peppers roast. This way, you can focus on stuffing the peppers as soon as they’re ready. When peeling the peppers, be gentle to avoid tearing them; a small tear can be mended by carefully stuffing from the other side.

If you enjoy trying new variations, consider adding cooked ground beef or chicken to the stuffing for extra protein. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco, to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Perfecting Your Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe

Perfecting results

Once the peppers are peeled, carefully make a slit down one side of each pepper. Remove the seeds and membranes to reduce the heat level, making the dish more palatable for everyone. Stuff each pepper with the rice and bean mixture, ensuring they are well filled but not overstuffed.

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over them, and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake them in the oven for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, signaling that your stuffed chili relleno is ready to enjoy.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your peppers are too spicy, try soaking them in milk for a few minutes before roasting. This can help mellow the heat. Additionally, if you struggle with peeling them, let them steam a bit longer or use a paper towel to grip the skins.

For those who enjoy experimenting, consider making a stuffed pepper casserole for a different take on this classic dish. Or, try a baked spinach and cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms recipe for a vegetarian twist.

Serving and Storing Your Stuffed Chili Relleno

Serving/presentation

Once baked, let the stuffed chili relleno cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Arrange the peppers on a serving platter for a visually appealing presentation that highlights their vibrant colors and melted cheese.

This dish pairs beautifully with side salads or a simple bowl of tortilla chips and salsa. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside shepherd’s pie or homemade sloppy joes for a complete feast.

Stuffed Chili Relleno Recipe

Pairings/storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the peppers in a preheated oven until warmed through, or use a microwave if you’re short on time. The flavors often deepen the next day, making leftovers just as enjoyable.

For those interested in exploring more stuffed pepper recipes, check out this sous vide ground beef stuffed peppers technique for a tender and flavorful alternative.

Conclusion

The stuffed chili relleno recipe is a testament to the joy of cooking and sharing meals. Its combination of roasted peppers, savory stuffing, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The flexibility of this recipe allows for personal touches and variations, making it a versatile addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

With simple techniques and a few essential ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that brings people together. The stuffed chili relleno is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that invites creativity, experimentation, and a sense of community. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.

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