Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole

Category:Dinner Recipes

Delicious quinoa and black bean casserole topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, served in a baking dish for a healthy vegetarian meal.

This quinoa and black bean casserole is a hearty and healthy dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s filled with nutritious quinoa, black beans, and colorful veggies, making it a winning choice for any meal!

Trust me, you’ll want to go back for seconds! I love serving it hot with a dollop of sour cream on top. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Quinoa: This is the base of your casserole. Use any color—white, red, or black. If you don’t have quinoa, couscous or brown rice can work as good substitutes, but adjust cooking times!

Black Beans: These add protein and texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, kidney beans or pinto beans are great swaps. Canned chickpeas could also work for a different flavor!

Corn: I love fresh corn for sweetness, but frozen is just as good. If neither is available, you can leave it out or swap it for peas.

Cheese: Cheddar gives it a nice sharpness. Feel free to use pepper jack for a kick! If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter option.

Spices: The cumin and chili powder add warmth. You can also use taco seasoning for convenience. If you’re sensitive to spice, just reduce the amount of chili powder.

How Do I Make Sure My Quinoa is Perfectly Cooked?

Cooking quinoa might sound tricky, but it’s simple with these steps. Rinsing it beforehand removes bitterness. Here’s how to cook it right:

  • Combine quinoa and water or broth in a saucepan.
  • Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer. It usually takes about 15 minutes.
  • Once the liquid is absorbed, fluff it gently with a fork.

The key is to keep the heat low so it cooks evenly! Enjoy your fluffy quinoa for a perfect base in the casserole.

What’s the Best Way to Saute Vegetables for Maximum Flavor?

Sauteing enhances the natural flavors of your veggies. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  • Use a bit of olive oil—just enough to cover the pan’s bottom.
  • Add onions first; cook them until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Next, toss in bell peppers and garlic. Keep stirring for another 2-3 minutes until they’re soft.
  • Don’t rush this step! Letting them brown a little adds depth of flavor.

This technique elevates your casserole significantly, ensuring every bite is packed with delightful taste!

Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole

How to Make Quinoa and Black Bean Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven. Overall, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to get the house smelling wonderful!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your casserole!

2. Cook the Quinoa:

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once all the liquid is absorbed, remove it from the heat and fluff the quinoa with a fork. This makes it nice and fluffy!

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

While the quinoa is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. This step builds a delicious flavor base for your casserole.

4. Mix Everything Together:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed veggies, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed – you’ll want every bite to be flavorful!

5. Prepare for Baking:

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (about 8×8 inches). Spread it out evenly so everything cooks nicely.

6. Cheese It Up:

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Who doesn’t love a cheesy topping?

7. Bake to Perfection:

Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning!

8. Cool and Garnish:

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Before enjoying, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and avocado slices or cubes for a fresh touch.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Dig in while it’s warm, and enjoy the wholesome flavors of your homemade quinoa and black bean casserole!

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Quinoa?

Yes, brown rice can be used as a substitute for quinoa! Just be aware that it requires a longer cooking time—about 40-45 minutes—so make sure to adjust the broth or water accordingly.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth to keep it moist!

Can I Make This Casserole Vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as long as you use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely. You can also replace the sour cream garnish with a dairy-free alternative or simply leave it off!

What Are Some Good Variations for This Recipe?

Feel free to customize your casserole! You can add cooked ground meat like turkey or beef for extra protein, or mix in your favorite veggies such as spinach or zucchini. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste, too!

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