La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake

La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake Recipe: A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake is a delicious and hearty casserole dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe combines ground beef, onions, corn, A-1 steak sauce, jack cheese, Ortega diced chilies, milk, flour, and eggs to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in the southwestern United States, where chilies and cheese are commonly used in cooking. This dish has become a popular comfort food for many families due to its rich and savory flavors.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 can of corn, drained (12 oz (340 g))
6 tbsp A-1 steak sauce
2 cups grated jack cheese (8 oz (227 g))
2 cans of Ortega diced green chilies (4 oz (113 g) each or 1 can, 7 oz (198 g))
1.5 cups milk
0.25 cup flour
4 eggs

How to prepare

Cook the beef in a skillet until it becomes crumbly.
Push the beef to one side of the skillet.
Saut? the onion in the drippings in the skillet until it becomes soft.
Stir in the corn and A-1 steak sauce.
Layer half of the cheese in a greased 12-cup casserole dish.
Then layer half of the meat mixture and half of the chilies.
Repeat the layers.
In a bowl, mix the milk, flour, and eggs.
Beat the mixture until it is well blended.
Pour the mixture over the layers in the casserole dish. If you let the casserole chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or more, it will become puffier. However, it can also go directly into the oven.
Bake the casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour or until it becomes puffed.
Serve the casserole immediately.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for extra heat and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the ground beef until it is crumbly to ensure that it is fully cooked.

- Layering the ingredients in the casserole dish helps to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.

- Allowing the casserole to chill in the refrigerator before baking can help it become puffier, but it is not necessary.

- Serve the casserole immediately after baking for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs well with rice or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Saut? the onions until they are soft and translucent to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Beat the milk, flour, and eggs together until well blended to create a smooth and creamy custard for the casserole.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned green chilies instead of Ortega diced chilies if desired.

- Substitute corn with diced tomatoes or black beans for a different twist on the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the baked casserole with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the rich and savory flavors of the dish. A light beer or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime also makes a refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

420

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 24g

- Saturated Fat: 11g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 32g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 10%

- Calcium: 25%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese and milk)

- Contains eggs

Summary

La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake is a rich and satisfying dish that is high in protein and calcium. It is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron.

Summary

La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake is a delicious and comforting casserole dish that is perfect for a family meal or gathering. With its layers of ground beef, onions, corn, cheese, and chilies, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of this classic recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day in La Jolla, California, and I was strolling through a bustling farmer's market, taking in the sights and sounds of the local vendors. As I meandered through the rows of colorful produce and artisanal goods, I came across a small booth tucked away in a corner, manned by an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye.

Intrigued by the array of spices and herbs on display, I struck up a conversation with the woman. She introduced herself as Maria, a Mexican immigrant who had been cooking traditional dishes for decades. As we chatted, she mentioned a special recipe she had learned from her grandmother - a La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake that was a favorite among her family and friends.

Maria's eyes lit up as she described the dish, a rich and savory blend of roasted chile peppers, gooey cheese, and fragrant herbs. She explained the meticulous process of roasting and peeling the chiles, layering them with cheese and seasoning, and baking until golden and bubbly. My mouth watered at the thought of tasting such a delectable creation, and I begged Maria to share her recipe with me.

She hesitated at first, reluctant to part with a family heirloom. But after some cajoling and a promise to cherish and honor the recipe, Maria finally relented. She scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper, handing it to me with a smile.

I thanked Maria profusely, feeling a rush of excitement at the prospect of re-creating her beloved La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake in my own kitchen. As I made my way home, I couldn't wait to gather the necessary ingredients and get started on this culinary adventure.

Back in my cozy kitchen, I laid out the chiles, cheese, and seasonings, following Maria's instructions to the letter. The aroma of roasted peppers and melting cheese filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. I carefully assembled the layers, sprinkling each one with a generous amount of herbs and spices, before popping the dish into the oven to bake.

As the cheese bubbled and the chiles caramelized, I marveled at the transformation taking place before my eyes. The dish emerged from the oven golden and fragrant, a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that promised to delight the senses. I couldn't resist taking a small taste, savoring the creamy cheese and smoky chiles that danced on my tongue.

I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special, a recipe that spoke to my soul and reminded me of the power of food to connect us to our roots and traditions. I made a mental note to invite Maria over for a taste of her own creation, wanting to share the joy and gratitude I felt for her generosity.

As I sat down to enjoy a steaming portion of La Jolla Chile Cheese Bake, I thought back to that fateful day at the farmer's market and the chance encounter that had brought this recipe into my life. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Maria and her willingness to pass on a piece of her heritage, knowing that this dish would now hold a special place in my own culinary repertoire for years to come.

And so, as I savored each mouthful of cheesy, spicy goodness, I whispered a silent thank you to Maria and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe and the memories it would create for me and my loved ones.