Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (2023)

Home » Recipes » Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers}

By Taylor Stinson | 4 Comments | Posted: | Updated:

These Skinny Chile Rellenos offer a healthier spin on the traditional Mexican stuffed peppers made with poblanos and a spicy red sauce.

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (1)

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Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (2)

How to make chili rellenos

  1. Bake the poblano peppers.
  2. Make the spicy red sauce and the Mexican rice (optional).
  3. Slice the poblano peppers down the middle.
  4. Scrape out seeds and membranes and fill the peppers with cheese.
  5. Bake until the cheese has melted.
  6. Remove from the oven, top with sauce and serve!
Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (3)
Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (4)

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Ingredients and substitutions

  • Poblano peppers– you could also use Anaheim peppers or green bell peppers (although they'll be less spicy).
  • Monterey jack cheese – asiago or mozzarella cheese would also work.
  • Olive oil– or any other neutral cooking oil like canola, avocado or grapeseed oil.
  • Onion– white or yellow onion is best here.
  • Green pepper– you can also try red pepper or additional diced poblano peppers.
  • Garlic– I like using fresh garlic for the best flavour, but jarred minced garlic or garlic powder work in a pinch.
  • Canned diced tomatoes – use fresh diced tomatoes if you can't find the canned.
  • Chili powder–you can make your own blend using paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cayenne.
  • Brown sugar– use a combination of white sugar and molasses to make your own brown sugar.
  • Cumin– coriander would also work, as it comes from the same spice family.
  • Paprika– cayenne pepper is the best substitute here.
  • Salt & pepper– to taste
Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (5)

What is chile relleno?

This dish is a Mexican version of stuffed peppers, as chile relleno translates into “stuffed chilis” in English. The traditional dish features poblano peppers stuffed with meat and cheese, then covered in egg whites and flour and fried in hot oil. To cut down on the calorie count and make this dish healthier, this recipe doesn't have any meat and is baked instead of fried.

How many calories are in chile relleno?

The original chile relleno is high in calories as it's stuffed with meat and fried in oil and typically has over 700 calories. This version is a lot lighter, with just 482 calories.

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (6)

How to make the Chile Relleno sauce

While your poblanos are baking in the oven, you'll make a delicious, spicy sauce to pour over top and enhance the flavour. Combine a can of diced tomatoes with green pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, brown sugar and salt & pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then blender everything up with an immersion blender.

(Video) Stuffed Poblano Peppers

This way you don't have to wait for your sauce to cool enough to transfer to a regular blender, and you won't have any extra dirty dishes either. You can grab an immersion blender for cheap here.

Peeling the poblano peppers

After you have baked your poblano peppers and have the sauce going, you'll want to peel the skin off the poblano peppers. to see the video, which will show you how to do this.

This is an extra optional step but it will result in a more authentic chile relleno recipe and will make the peppers much easier to cut.

After you peel the peppers, you will slice them down the middle and gently scrape out the seeds and membranes, then you'll stuff them with cheese.

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (7)

Storing and reheating

You can store this recipe in the fridge for 3-5 days in glass meal prep containers. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or pop them in the oven in a foil-covered baking dish.

Freezing this recipe

Although the texture of the peppers won't be exactly the same, you can freeze this dish. Wait until the peppers have completely cooled, then freeze them in airtight glass containers. I recommend freezing the peppers and the sauce separately for the best results.

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (8)

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (9)

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Meal prep tools for this recipe

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (10)

Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers}

These Skinny Chile Rellenos offer a healthier spin on the traditional Mexican stuffed peppers made with peblanos and a spicy red sauce.

(Video) Lasagna Stuffed Peppers 🫑 Get the recipe @ thegirlonbloor.com #shorts

4.84 from 6 votes

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Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 482kcal

Author: Taylor Stinson

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 poblano peppers
  • 2 cups shredded Monterrey jack cheese
  • Finely chopped cilantro, to serve (optional)
  • Sliced avocado, to serve (optional)
  • Lime wedges, to serve (optional)

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (796mL) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp each salt & pepper

Mexican rice (optional)

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup dry rice
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450 F. Bake poblano peppers for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 10 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, make the sauce. Add olive oil to a large pot, then add onions, green pepper and garlic, sauteeing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the rest of the ingredients, bringing to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Blend with an immersion blender then keep sauce warm on low until ready to serve.

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  • Remove peppers from oven then slice down the middle as seen in the video below. Gently scrape out the seeds and membranes using a spoon, then fill with cheese. Bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

  • Remove peppers from oven, then top with sauce and a little bit more cheese if desired. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges and avocado slices (all optional but yummy!) Serve with Mexican rice or other choice of side if desired.

Optional Mexican rice

  • While peppers and sauce are cooking, add all Mexican rice ingredients to a rice cooker. Rice will cook automatically.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 482kcal (24%)Carbohydrates: 52g (17%)Protein: 19g (38%)Fat: 23g (35%)Saturated Fat: 12g (75%)Cholesterol: 53mg (18%)Sodium: 414mg (18%)Potassium: 460mg (13%)Fiber: 5g (21%)Sugar: 8g (9%)Vitamin A: 1955IU (39%)Vitamin C: 121.9mg (148%)Calcium: 471mg (47%)Iron: 2.1mg (12%)

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Created by Taylor Stinson

Hey there, my name's Taylor! I’m the founder of The Girl on Bloor, a food blog where I share healthy meal prep recipes for busy people. I'm a busy city girl living in downtown Toronto on (you guessed it!) Bloor Street. I've got 10 years experience meal prepping, along with a Master's degree in journalism, and you can find my work across the internet featured on publications such as Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, Reader's Digest and more. I also run the awesome 5-Day Meal Prep Challenge, which is a free email course and Facebook group where I share my meal planning strategies and easy meal prep tips and recipes. Be sure to check out my free beginner’s guide to meal prep and follow me on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to get my latest recipes and meal prep tips!

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Carol says

    Skinny Chile Rellenos {Mexican Stuffed Peppers} - The Girl on Bloor (12)
    I’ve been making ALOT of your low carb recipes and I must say this one is the best. A little higher in carbs but to have the rice made it a special meal. My family wants me to make it again next week when we are having company over. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Taylor Stinson says

      I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂

      Reply

  2. Stephanie W says

    I take it that the calorie count does not include the rice since it is listed as optional? I can’t wait to try this as it is one of my favorite Mexican dishes that I try to avoid

    Reply

    • Taylor Stinson says

      The nutritional info for the recipe actually does include the rice! 🙂

      Reply

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FAQs

How many calories are in a Mexican chile relleno? ›

Chili (chile) relleno with cheese, fried (1 each - chili) contains 9.9g total carbs, 8.9g net carbs, 16.4g fat, 8.2g protein, and 217 calories.

How many calories does one chile relleno have? ›

Cafe Rio Chile Relleno (1 serving) contains 12g total carbs, 11g net carbs, 29g fat, 14g protein, and 360 calories.

What is the difference between a chile relleno and chile poblano? ›

Chile poblano is a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine, while chili relleno is a dish that uses stuffed chile peppers. The stuffing used in chili relleno can vary depending on the cook's preference, while chile poblano is usually served as a side dish or as a component of another dish.

What does chili relleno mean in English? ›

The chile relleno (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtʃile reˈʝeno], literally "stuffed chile") is a dish in Mexican cuisine that originated in the city of Puebla. In 1858, it was described as a "green chile pepper stuffed with minced meat and coated with eggs". Chile relleno. Chiles rellenos.

What is the lowest calorie thing to get at a Mexican restaurant? ›

Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods at a Mexican restaurant, as long as they're paired with smart side dishes. Choose grilled seafood, chicken or steak with a side of black beans or grilled or sauteed vegetables.

What Mexican food has the most calories? ›

Worst: Chimichanga

The dish has more than 1,500 calories and 93 grams of fat. Factor in toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and you'll get most of your day's calories and sodium in one meal. And research shows that a diet high in fried foods can raise your chances of diabetes and heart disease.

How many calories are in 2 chile rellenos? ›

Chiles rellenos, cheese-filled contains 385 calories per 176 g serving. This serving contains 30 g of fat, 19 g of protein and 11 g of carbohydrate.

Are poblano peppers good for weight loss? ›

That spicy, tingly feeling you get from eating hot peppers like the poblano pepper is more than just delicious — it can help fight cancer, aid your weight loss journey and boost your immune system.

Are chili rellenos high in carbs? ›

Chiles Rellenos, Filled With Meat And Cheese (1 chili) contains 10.2g total carbs, 8.5g net carbs, 21g fat, 15.6g protein, and 289 calories.

What do you eat with chili rellenos? ›

Most people use poblano pepper to make Chile Rellenos.
...
What to Serve with Chili Rellenos? 7 BEST Side Dishes?
  1. 1 – Spanish Rice. ...
  2. 2 – Caesar Salad. ...
  3. 3 – Coleslaw. ...
  4. 4 – Tomato Salsa. ...
  5. 5 – Refried Beans. ...
  6. 6 – Fresh Pasta Salsa. ...
  7. 7 – Grilled Brussel Sprouts.
Feb 26, 2023

Do you peel the skin off of poblano peppers? ›

If you are eating poblano peppers fresh, you don't need to peel the skin (although it is fairly tough). Much like roasted red peppers, roasted poblano peppers have papery, unappetizing skins so it's best to remove them.

Which is hotter Anaheim or poblano pepper? ›

A poblano pepper was first grown in Mexico and are twice as spicy as the Anaheim pepper, but poblanos are still considered mild.

Does a chile relleno have meat in it? ›

Chiles Rellenos are one of the best known and loved Mexican foods. Chile relleno translates as “stuffed chile.” If you have never had them, they are Poblano chiles that are stuffed with pork, beef or cheese and then are battered and fried and served covered in salsa roja.

How do you eat chile rellenos? ›

Serve: Immediately serve chile rellenos on a plate with some salsa, freshly chopped cilantro and some cotija cheese. (Don't forget to remove the toothpicks when you first cut into the peppers! You can try to remove them before serving onto plates, but I find it easier to remove them when you first cut into them.)

What's the difference between relleno and poblano? ›

The big difference between a chile relleno and a chile poblano is that chile relleno is a recipe for a Mexican entrée and chile poblano is not a recipe, but simply a fresh poblano chile pepper, a large, relatively mild chile pepper with a deep green color.

What are the healthiest Mexican dishes? ›

In general, more nutritious options include fajitas, bean burritos, grilled chicken dishes, and soft tacos.

What Mexican home food is good for dieting? ›

20 Mexican Recipes That Won't Destroy Your Diet
  • 10-Minute Shrimp Fajitas > ...
  • Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas > ...
  • Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Yogurt Sauce > ...
  • Healthy and Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos > ...
  • Party-Perfect Pico de Gallo > ...
  • Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potato > ...
  • Easy One-Pan Chicken Fajita Bake > ...
  • Mango Salsa >

What can diabetics order at a Mexican restaurant? ›

Here's what you should eat instead:
  • Fillings made of beans, grilled chicken or grilled steak.
  • Meals made with soft flour tortillas, such as burritos, tostadas, and carnitas.
  • Grilled lime-flavored shrimp.
  • Bean enchiladas with a little cilantro and onions.
  • Salsas.
  • Sautéed veggies.
Jun 8, 2021

What is the most eaten food in Mexico? ›

Corn is the most eaten staple among Mexican consumers. It is the base ingredient of tortillas, a type of slim flatbread and, one of the most representative and widely consumed food products in the country, used for the preparation of both tacos and quesadillas.

What is the most eaten dish in Mexico? ›

Tacos. Recognized as the most popular Mexican dish worldwide, the taco has become an art. Some say is the “art of eating with tortilla” and, of course, Mexicans would never deny a taco to anybody. Hundreds of fillings can be put on a corn tortilla!

What is the highest calorie food on earth? ›

As you can see from the chart below, oils are the most calorie-dense foods on the planet. Just two measly tablespoons of olive oil is the caloric equivalent of four oranges. Four! That's why covering your salad with ladles of regular salad dressing is such a disaster for your waistline.

Are chili rellenos fattening? ›

Chili rellenos can be considered fattening depending on how they are made and what is included in preparing them. The stuffed chili itself contains a high-fat content due to the cheese filling and the breading that is typically used to cook them.

How many calories are in a chile relleno with rice and beans? ›

Results for "Chile Relleno, Rice & Beans"

Other sizes: 1 serving - 218kcal, 100 g - 147kcal, 1 oz - 42kcal, more...

How many calories are in a stuffed poblano pepper? ›

Naples Stuffed Poblano Pepper (1 serving) contains 13g total carbs, 11g net carbs, 7g fat, 14g protein, and 170 calories.

What Mexican food has the least amount of carbs? ›

Low-Carb Mexican Food Substitutes
  • Instead of Stuffed Jalepeño Peppers or Chiles Rellenos, try grilled chicken wings.
  • Instead of quesadillas, order Sopa de Albondigas, which is a meatball and vegetable soup.
  • Substitute a Jicama Salad for nachos. ...
  • Try Pollo Asado, grilled chicken, instead of Chimichangas or Flautas.

What Mexican food is high in carbs? ›

Side dishes like rice and refried beans are loaded with carbs, so you should ask to swap them with non-starchy veggies.

How much cholesterol is in a chili relleno? ›

Trader Joe's
Nutrition Facts
How much saturated fat is in Chile Relleno? Amount of saturated fat in Chile Relleno: Saturated fat 11g-
How much cholesterol is in Chile Relleno? Amount of cholesterol in Chile Relleno: Cholesterol 50mg-
How much sodium is in Chile Relleno? Amount of sodium in Chile Relleno: Sodium 1160mg49%
17 more rows

How do you soften Chile rellenos? ›

Let them soften. Transfer the charred chiles to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and close. Let stand 10 minutes. The chiles will steam in the bag, making them soft and easy to peel.

How do you keep chili rellenos from falling apart? ›

You can use a little bit of flour to bind the overlapped edges. If a pepper falls apart as you are stuffing it, do the best you can to squeeze the stuffing into a chile-shaped ball inside strips of chile. The batter will help the whole thing hold together.

What is the first step in making relleno? ›

How to make Chile Rellenos
  1. The first step is roasting those gorgeous peppers, which chars them and deepens their flavor. ...
  2. You'll cut a slit along the long side of each pepper, about 2 to 3 inches long, just big enough to get a spoon into.
Oct 5, 2019

How to eat chile relleno with tortilla? ›

Place chili rellenos in the center of a plate, remove all toothpicks, and cover each relleno in about half a cup of warm salsa. Serve immediately. They should be crunchy on the outside with warm melted cheese and chilies on the inside. Serve with refried beans, Mexican rice, warm tortilla chips, and a side salad.

Can you freeze cooked chili rellenos? ›

Freezing: these Chile Rellenos freeze wonderfully, without sauce. Store them in a freezer safe container, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with instructions to reheat. Cheese: use a good melting cheese.

How to roast peppers for chili relleno? ›

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Place whole poblano peppers on a baking sheet (line with foil for easy clean-up) and roast for 35-40 minutes or until skins are blackened, flipping once. Place peppers in a plastic bag, or a bowl covered with plastic wrap and let cool for 10-15 minutes.

How many carbs in a chili relleno in a Mexican restaurant? ›

Chiles Rellenos, Filled With Meat And Cheese (1 chili) contains 10.2g total carbs, 8.5g net carbs, 21g fat, 15.6g protein, and 289 calories.

Does chile relleno have a lot of carbs? ›

A crispy chile relleno typically contains 11g of carbohydrates per serving, which is derived from the type of batter used to prepare the chile and from the starch in the filling. The amount of carbs in a crispy chile relleno may vary depending on the recipe and the ingredients used.

What are the nutrition facts of chile relleno? ›

Chile Relleno
  • Calories 260.
  • Total Fat 14g 18%
  • Saturated Fat 7.8g 39%
  • Trans Fat 0.5g.
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g.
  • Monounsaturated Fat 3.7g.
  • Cholesterol 56mg 19%
  • Sodium 608mg 26%

Is Mexican Rice and beans healthy? ›

Rice and beans, a classic comfort food combo in Latino and Caribbean communities and some parts of the American South, is one of the healthiest dishes you can eat. It's rich in plant protein—12 grams per cup—and it provides nutrients that most Americans don't get enough of. Top among them is fiber.

Does Mexican Rice have a lot of calories? ›

Mexican Rice (1 cup) contains 40.8g total carbs, 37.8g net carbs, 3.6g fat, 4.6g protein, and 211 calories.

How many calories is 2 servings of Mexican Rice? ›

There are 399 calories in 2 cups of Mexican Rice. * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

How much fat is in chili relleno? ›

Trader Joe's Chili Relleno (1 tray) contains 27g total carbs, 23g net carbs, 18g fat, 22g protein, and 350 calories.

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