Wilma’s Chili Relleno Casserole

📜 Collection: PatsyCollection | ✍️ Attribution: Wilma Lachmann | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic, hearty Chili Relleno Casserole featuring layers of whole green chiles and two kinds of cheese, all baked in a light, fluffy egg soufflé topping and finished with tomato sauce. This comforting Tex-Mex dish bakes up golden brown and bubbly.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins1 hr 30 mins10 mins8-10 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Clean mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk

Ingredients

Casserole Layers

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
6 (3.5 oz) CansChili PeppersWhole, de-seeded and drained
1 lbCheddar CheeseTillamook or Longhorn, grated
1 lbMonterey Jack CheeseGrated

Soufflé Topping

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
4EggsSeparated
1 (12 oz) CanEvaporated MilkOr 1.5 cups plain milk
3 TbspFlourNone
To TasteSalt & PepperNone

Final Topping

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 (8 oz) CansTomato SauceSmall cans

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Layer

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Use an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
  2. Drain, de-seeded, and slit the 6 (3.5 oz) cans whole Chili Peppers, patting them dry.
  3. Lay out half of the chiles to cover the bottom of the pan.
  4. Cover the chiles with all of the grated 1 lb Cheddar Cheese.
  5. Layer the remaining chiles on top of the cheese.
  6. Add a final layer of all of the grated 1 lb Monterey Jack Cheese.

Step 2: Make the Soufflé Topping

  1. Separate the 4 Eggs. In a medium bowl, beat the 4 egg yolks.
  2. Add the 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk, 3 tbsp flour, salt, and pepper to the yolks and whisk until smooth.
  3. In a separate clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture until just combined.
  5. Pour this egg soufflé mixture evenly over the cheese and chiles in the pan.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

  1. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the egg mixture is set, puffed, and lightly golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and pour the 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce evenly over the top.
  3. Return to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes until bubbling and hot.
  4. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card|201x24