Lightened-Up Cheese and Green Chile Rellenos Casserole
Experience the comforting flavors of traditional Chile Rellenos in a healthier, guilt-free casserole form! This Lightened-Up Cheese and Green Chile Rellenos Casserole captures the beloved rich, creamy texture and mouthwatering taste, but with a thoughtful twist. By swapping in reduced-fat cheeses, evaporated skim milk, and a fat-free egg substitute, we've created a dish that keeps the essence of the original while making it more nutritious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving to guests, this casserole is layered with tender corn tortillas, zesty green chilies, and a sprinkle of cilantro, all drizzled with your choice of fat-free or light sour cream for that extra creaminess. Comfort food has never tasted so good and felt so light!
6
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, shredded
1 1/2 cups (Shredded)
Evaporated skim milk
1 cup (None)
Fat-free egg substitute
3/4 cup (Or 3 beaten eggs)
Corn tortillas
6 (Torn into 2-inch pieces)
Chopped mild green chilies
2 (4-ounce) cans (None)
Mild chunky salsa
1/2 cup (None)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons (None)
Fat-free or light sour cream
To taste (For serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly spray a large deep dish pie pan or a deep square baking pan with cooking spray (e.g., Pam).
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the reduced-fat cheese, evaporated skim milk, fat-free egg substitute (or beaten eggs), torn corn tortillas, chopped green chilies, chunky salsa, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4
Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and slightly firm to the touch.
6
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and chopped cilantro over the top.
7
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
9
Serve generously with a dollop of fat-free or light sour cream on each portion for a delightful finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
15g
Carbs
8.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened-Up Cheese and Green Chile Rellenos Casserole?
It is a healthier version of traditional Chile Rellenos that captures the creamy texture and flavors of the original but uses lower-fat ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This recipe contains 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 8.7 grams of protein in each serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What type of baking pan should be used?
A large deep dish pie pan or a deep square baking pan is recommended.
Do I need to grease the pan before baking?
Yes, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray like Pam before adding the mixture.
Can I use real eggs instead of egg substitute?
Yes, you can substitute the 3/4 cup of fat-free egg substitute with 3 beaten eggs.
What type of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of evaporated skim milk.
How much cheese is required for this casserole?
A total of 1.5 cups of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend is needed.
How should the corn tortillas be prepared?
The 6 corn tortillas should be torn into 2-inch pieces.
What kind of green chilies are needed?
You will need two 4-ounce cans of chopped mild green chilies.
How much salsa is included in the mix?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of mild chunky salsa.
What ingredients are combined in the large mixing bowl?
Combine 1 cup of cheese, milk, egg substitute, torn tortillas, green chilies, salsa, and salt.
How long should the casserole bake initially?
Bake for approximately 30 minutes until the casserole is set and slightly firm.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
After the initial 30-minute bake, remove it from the oven to sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
How long is the second baking step?
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is used as a garnish on top of the cheese?
Two tablespoons of chopped cilantro are sprinkled over the top during the final melting stage.
Should the casserole be served immediately?
It is best to allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.
What is the recommended serving accompaniment?
Serve with a dollop of fat-free or light sour cream on each portion.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What makes this recipe 'lightened-up'?
It uses reduced-fat cheese, evaporated skim milk, and fat-free egg substitute to lower the calorie and fat content.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and involves simple mixing and baking steps.
How much salt is added to the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include lower fat, casserole, cheese, chile rellenos, green chilies, easy dinner, mexican, and comfort food.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 9 distinct ingredients.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a comforting, creamy, and zesty Mexican-inspired dish with mild heat from green chilies.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While a Mexican blend is recommended for flavor, you can use other reduced-fat shredded cheeses if preferred.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The specific fiber content is not listed, though corn tortillas and green chilies provide some natural fiber.