Cheesy Green Chili Pepper Casserole with Sausage Delight
Elevate your family’s dinner experience with this Cheesy Green Chili Pepper Casserole, packed with layers of succulent flavors and an irresistible cheesy goodness. Featuring roasted green chili peppers stuffed with a savory blend of cooked pork sausage and two types of melty cheese, this dish is not only comforting but also a vibrant addition to your Mexican night. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress, making everyone at the table shout ‘OLAY!’ with each delectable bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole green chili peppers
4 (4-ounce) cans (seeded and drained)
salt
to taste
evaporated milk
1 cup
egg whites
4
Tabasco sauce
to taste
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (shredded)
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
ground pork sausage
1 lb (cooked and drained)
tomato sauce
1 (8-ounce) can
diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can (drained)
sour cream
(for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish with no-stick spray and set it aside.
2
To prepare the chili peppers, wear disposable gloves and carefully slit each pepper in half lengthwise. Gently remove and discard the seeds, then rinse the peppers and let them drain on several paper towels. Sprinkle salt on the peppers for flavor.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, egg whites, Tabasco sauce, and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this aside.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup each of Monterey Jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese with the chopped green onions. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping.
5
Now, it’s time to assemble your casserole: start by layering half of the chili peppers across the bottom of the prepared dish. Follow with half of the cheese mixture and half of the cooked pork sausage. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used.
6
Now, evenly pour the egg mixture over the entire casserole to help bind everything together.
7
Top the casserole with the tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, ensuring even coverage. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
8
After 30 minutes, sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9
Once baked, allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
10
Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream and a side of freshly tossed green salad drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Green Chili Pepper Casserole with Sausage Delight?
It is a layered casserole featuring roasted green chili peppers stuffed with a savory blend of cooked pork sausage, Monterey Jack cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese, bound together with an egg and milk mixture.
What type of green chili peppers should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 (4-ounce) cans of whole green chili peppers that are seeded and drained.
How should I prepare the canned chili peppers?
Wear disposable gloves and slit each pepper in half lengthwise. Remove and discard the seeds, rinse the peppers, and let them drain on paper towels before sprinkling with salt.
What kind of sausage is needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground pork sausage, which must be cooked and drained before being added to the casserole.
Which cheeses are used in this recipe?
This casserole uses 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What components make up the binding mixture?
The binding mixture is made by whisking together 1 cup of evaporated milk, 4 egg whites, Tabasco sauce, and 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How do I layer the casserole ingredients?
Start with half of the chili peppers, then half of the cheese and green onion mixture, and half of the cooked sausage. Repeat the process for the second layer.
How much tomato sauce is required?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Do the diced tomatoes need to be drained?
Yes, use one 8-ounce can of diced tomatoes and ensure they are drained before adding them to the top of the casserole.
What size dish should I use for this casserole?
A 1 1/2 quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the casserole need to bake in total?
The casserole bakes for an initial 30 minutes, followed by an additional 20 minutes after the final cheese topping is added, totaling 50 minutes.
When should I add the reserved cheese topping?
The reserved cheese should be sprinkled over the top after the casserole has already baked for 30 minutes.
Should I let the casserole rest after taking it out of the oven?
Yes, allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
What are the best serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a side of fresh green salad drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Can I use fresh green chili peppers instead of canned?
Yes, though the recipe specifies canned, you can use fresh roasted, peeled, and seeded green chilies as a substitute.
Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is moderate, coming from the green chili peppers and the Tabasco sauce added to the egg mixture.
How do I prepare the cheese mixture?
Mix 1 cup each of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, reserving the rest of the cheese for the final topping.
Why are egg whites used instead of whole eggs?
Using 4 egg whites helps create a lighter, fluffier binder for the casserole ingredients compared to using whole eggs.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the casserole dish with no-stick spray before starting the assembly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While not explicitly stated, you can prep the ingredients like the cooked sausage and sliced peppers in advance to speed up assembly.
What gives the casserole its 'Mexican night' feel?
The combination of green chilies, Monterey Jack cheese, and the 'chili relleno' style layering provides its traditional Mexican flavor profile.
Is there flour in this recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour is whisked into the milk and egg mixture to help thicken the binder.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Monterey Jack and Sharp Cheddar are recommended for flavor and melting properties, you can substitute with other melty cheeses like Pepper Jack for more heat.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.
What is the role of evaporated milk in this dish?
Evaporated milk provides a rich, creamy base for the egg mixture that binds the sausage and peppers together.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
Because it contains protein from the sausage and eggs, it is intended as a hearty one-dish meal or main course.
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as a casserole, Mexican food, cheesy, chili relleno, pork sausage, one dish meal, comfort food, and family dinner.
How much total cheese is used?
A total of 4 cups of cheese is used: 2 cups of Monterey Jack and 2 cups of sharp cheddar.
Can I omit the Tabasco sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the Tabasco sauce without affecting the structure of the casserole.