Easy Southwest Black Bean Casserole Recipe Is High In Protein by Jan Mostrom

Need inspiration for dinner? I needed an easy dinner last week and found inspiration with this tasty black bean quinoa recipe. I can never resist a new way to prepare quinoa, especially when the recipe is plant-based and full of fiber and protein.

Quinoa is such a great base for a recipe because it is naturally gluten-free and contains a good amount of protein as compared to other grains (read about the health benefits of quinoa).

Here is all you need to make this southwest casserole for dinner tonight: quinoa, salt, oil, onion, garlic, corn, poblano or jalapeño pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, black beans, cheese and optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and/or tortilla chips.

This vegetarian casserole recipe is on the table in about 30 minutes. Make it part of your healthy eating plan right now and add it to your Meatless Monday rotation. 

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 poblano or 1/2 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 15 ounces (1 can) black beans, rinsed
• 1 1/4 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar, mozzarella or other cheese (divided)

For Serving

• chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• salsa or pico de gallo, for serving (optional)
• sour cream, for topping (optional)
• tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Recipe Notes

• I used half of a large seeded jalapeño pepper, which has a bit more heat than a poblano. Remember the seeds carry much of the heat in these peppers.

• Any cheese works in this recipe, but if it's not the sharp cheddar you might want a bit more salt.

• You could serve this as a side dish with your favorite protein.

Here's how to make it: 

1. Put quinoa, a pinch of salt and water on the stove on high. Cook according to package directions. When finished turn off heat and set aside.
   
2. While the quinoa cooks place a large oven-safe skillet on the stove on medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it's soft, about 4 minutes. Add your minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
   
3. Add pepper, tomato, corn, chili powder, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add beans, cooked quinoa and 3/4 cup cheese and mix well.
   
4. Top with the remaining cheese.
   
5. Place in oven and bake at 400 degrees F until the cheese is melted and brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and serve hot with a sprinkle of salsa, sour cream, salt and cilantro.
   
   

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