Savory Chiles Rellenos Casserole Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Savory Chiles Rellenos Casserole Delight, a beloved favorite that puts a delicious twist on traditional Tex-Mex cuisine. This hearty dish features a blend of ground turkey, green chilies, and gooey cheese, all nestled within layers of seasoned refried beans and corn. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this crowd-pleasing casserole is easy to prepare, making it a top request for gatherings. Top it off with fresh garnishes for an appealing presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s lightened up without sacrificing taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
Chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
Ground cumin
1 3/4 teaspoons (spices)
Dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (spices)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (spices)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Fat-free refried beans
1 (16 ounce) can (canned)
Chopped green chilies
2 (4 1/2 ounce) cans (canned)
Preshredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Frozen whole kernel corn
1 cup (thawed and drained)
All-purpose flour
1/3 cup (for thickening)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for the batter)
Nonfat milk
1 1/3 cups (for the batter)
Hot sauce
1/8 teaspoon (for flavor)
Large eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
Large egg whites
2 (lightly beaten)
Red onion slices
to taste (for garnish)
Chopped cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat over medium-high heat, cook ground turkey and chopped onion until the turkey is browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
3
Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the turkey mixture until well combined. Mix in the refried beans and set the mixture aside.
4
In an 11 x 7-inch baking dish, arrange half of the canned green chilies evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the preshredded colby-monterey jack cheese over the chilies.
5
Spoon mounds of the turkey and bean mixture onto the cheese layer, spreading it gently while leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges of the dish. Layer the thawed corn over the turkey mixture, and follow with the remaining green chilies topped by another 1/2 cup of cheese.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually mix in the nonfat milk, hot sauce, eggs, and egg whites until everything is smoothly combined.
7
Pour the milk and egg mixture over the casserole, ensuring it evenly coats the layers.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9
For serving, garnish with slices of red onion and chopped cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Chiles Rellenos Casserole Delight?
It is a hearty Tex-Mex dish that puts a modern twist on traditional chiles rellenos by layering ground turkey, green chilies, cheese, refried beans, and corn in a casserole format.
What are the primary ingredients in this casserole?
The main ingredients include ground turkey, chopped onion, fat-free refried beans, canned green chilies, colby-monterey jack cheese, frozen corn, and an egg and milk batter.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
The casserole needs to bake for approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it is set and golden.
Should the ground turkey be cooked before assembling the casserole?
Yes, you should cook the ground turkey and chopped onion in a skillet until the turkey is browned and crumbly before adding it to the dish.
What spices are used to season the turkey and bean mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
An 11 x 7-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How is the casserole layered?
Start with green chilies and cheese, followed by the turkey and bean mixture, then corn, more chilies, more cheese, and finally the egg and milk mixture poured over the top.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While colby-monterey jack is recommended, you can substitute it with sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat from the green chilies and a small amount of hot sauce, but it is generally considered family-friendly and not overly spicy.
How many cans of green chilies are needed?
You will need two 4.5-ounce cans of chopped green chilies.
Do I need to rest the casserole after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, it is recommended to let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow it to set properly.
What garnishes are suggested for this dish?
Fresh slices of red onion and chopped cilantro make excellent garnishes for this casserole.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses lean ground turkey, fat-free refried beans, nonfat milk, and egg whites to lighten up the traditional dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground turkey or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans.
What type of milk should I use for the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of nonfat milk for the egg batter.
Does the recipe use whole eggs or egg whites?
It uses a combination of 2 large eggs and 2 large egg whites.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh whole kernel corn, but ensure it is cooked or blanched if necessary, and drained well.
What role does the flour play in the recipe?
The all-purpose flour acts as a thickener for the milk and egg mixture, helping to create a custard-like structure.
Can I use black beans instead of refried beans?
While refried beans provide a creamy layer, you could use mashed black beans as a substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, it contains all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make it gluten-free.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the turkey and bean mixture in advance, but for the best texture, add the egg and milk mixture just before baking.
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground beef can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute for ground turkey.
Is the casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole, though the texture of the egg mixture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed for a standard 11 x 7-inch dish, which typically yields 6 to 8 servings.
How much hot sauce should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of hot sauce for subtle flavor, but you can add more if you prefer more heat.
What kind of green chilies should I buy?
Standard canned mild chopped green chilies found in the ethnic or canned vegetable aisle of the grocery store are perfect.
Why is there a border left around the edges when spreading the turkey mixture?
Leaving a 1/4-inch border allows the egg mixture to seep down the sides, helping the casserole hold its shape.
Can I add more cheese to the top?
Absolutely, you can sprinkle extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooier finish.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, its hearty nature and easy-to-slice format make it a top request for gatherings and potlucks.