This Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole is a deliciously cheesy dish that’s perfect for any meal. With fresh yellow squash and a kick from green chiles, it’s both tasty and colorful!
I love how simple it is to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone complaining. Trust me, it’ll be a family favorite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star of this casserole. If you can’t find it, zucchini is a great substitute, or blend both for added color and texture.
Green Chiles: I love using roasted green chiles for that smoky touch. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for mild canned chiles. Peppers like poblano can also be used, but they’ll offer a different flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds rich flavor. For a different twist, try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for more depth!
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream and can make a nice swap for mayonnaise, too.
Tortilla Chips: For crunch, crushed tortilla chips are fantastic, but if you want a healthier option, whole grain or even crushed nuts can work!
How Can I Make Sure My Casserole is Flavorful and Well-Cooked?
Making sure your casserole is bursting with flavor involves a few key steps. First, sautéing the onions and yellow squash helps release their natural sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
- Cook the squash just enough to soften it. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery casserole.
- Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Don’t skip the cooling step at the end! This helps the casserole set properly and makes it easier to serve.
Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup green chiles, diced (roasted or canned, mild or hot based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in about an hour, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, grease a medium-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until they become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This process will enhance their sweetness and add depth to the dish.
3. Cook the Squash:
Add the sliced yellow squash to the skillet with the onions. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the squash is slightly tender. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
4. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked squash and onions with the diced green chiles, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, beaten eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed, making sure every ingredient is evenly distributed.
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks thoroughly.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a delightful crunch!
7. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set in the middle and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it set a bit more. Serve it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal, perhaps paired with a fresh salad on the side!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Green Chile Yellow Squash Casserole! 🌱
Can I Use Frozen Yellow Squash for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen yellow squash! Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This will help keep your casserole from becoming too watery.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Absolutely! This casserole is already vegetarian-friendly as it uses squash, onions, and cheese. Just be sure the green chiles you use are vegetarian (most are!), and enjoy this hearty dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or corn. Just keep in mind that some veggies may release more moisture, so it might be good to sauté them briefly before adding them to the mixture to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
