Chile Relleno Bake

Today's recipe uses the Mexican Style Shredded Beef that I posted yesterday.  I have also included instructions at the end of the recipe for using ground beef if you prefer.  


I can't stress enough to make sure that your shredded beef is drained well, so your dish isn't "soupy". I place the beef on a paper towel lined plate and place a couple more towels on top, press down to remove as much of the liquid as possible. 


I found this recipe in a community cookbook we found at my Nanny's house after she passed away. All through the margins of the cookbook are her notes on the various recipes, and I love to look at it. It makes me feel close to her.  The original recipe uses ground beef, but I enjoy it with the shredded as well.  I also added the garlic and the Frank's, because I don't make too many recipes that don't use these two ingredients!  

Chile Relleno Bake
1  pound shredded beef from Mexican Style Shredded Beef
2  cans (4 ounces, each) WHOLE green chilies, cut in half and seeded and drained on paper towels
2  cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican Style Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese, divided
4  eggs
1/4  cup flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1  teaspoon Frank's Hot Sauce
1/4  teaspoon garlic powder
1/2  teaspoon salt
1/4  teaspoon pepper

Cut green chilies in half and place half in a lightly greased 2-quart shallow baking dish.  I used a 11 x 7 inch dish. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese.  Top with the shredded beef mixture and then layer the remaining chilies and set aside.

Beat together the eggs and flour until smooth.  Add the milk, Frank's, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Blend well and carefully pour the egg mixture over the casserole.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.  Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and place back in the oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Cooks Notes:  You may also brown a pound of lean ground beef with 1 cup of chopped onion, season lightly with salt and pepper.  Use in place of the shredded beef.

We like to top the bake with diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream and maybe a few sliced jalapenos.

Enjoy!

Kim