Southwest Fiesta Skillet Bake Black Bean Quinoa Cheesy Goodness

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something hearty and cheesy? Honestly, this Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa casserole hits the spot every single time.

It's like a warm hug in a dish, but with a kick.

Brief Overview

This Southwest Quinoa Casserole is inspired by Mexican flavours. It’s super easy to make. Prep takes about 20 minutes, and it bakes for about 30 minutes.

This Easy Quinoa Casserole serves 6. Think of it as a fiesta in a skillet!

Main Benefits

The Black Bean Quinoa Skillet is packed with protein and fiber. It's a great way to get a healthy and filling meal on the table.

This is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. What makes this dish special is that it combines wholesome ingredients with irresistible cheesy goodness.

It's comfort food without the guilt!

Craving something a bit more "taco Tuesday" like? This is just as great as Black Bean Taco Casserole and works for any night!

And you know what? You can get as fancy as you want with the toppings! Some nights I’ll keep it simple, but when friends are over I’ll top it with sour cream, salsa, and a little extra cilantro.

Speaking of easy, I’ve totally made this after a long day at work. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can! No need to faff about with complicated recipes.

The beauty of this Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole is its simplicity.

Sometimes, I’ll even prep all the ingredients ahead of time. Then, when it’s dinner time, I can just throw it all together and bake. Talk about a lifesaver!

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking! First, let's gather all the ingredients for this delightful Black Bean Mexican Casserole.

Also known as Black Bean Tortilla Casserole sometimes.

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you wanna make my Southwest Fiesta Skillet Bake? This Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa recipe is the bee's knees.

Let's get into the nitty gritty of what you'll need. I promise, it's easier than assembling IKEA furniture.

Main Ingredients

This Black Bean Mexican Casserole starts with a killer base. It's where the magic happens.

• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . It helps in the saute and adds flavor.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium , diced. About 1 cup (approx 150g) . Quality indicator? Go for a firm onion with no soft spots.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx 6g ). Fresh is best, always.
• Red bell pepper: 1 , diced, which will make about 1 cup (approx 150g) .
• Chili powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . This is a very important spice for the Southwest Quinoa Casserole .
• Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) .
• Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Gives it that campfire flavour.
• Cayenne pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) (optional). For those who like it hot!
• Quinoa: 1 cup, rinsed (approx 185g) . Rinsing is key to avoid bitterness!
• Vegetable broth: 2 cups (475 ml) . Low sodium is a good shout, so you can control the salt.
• Black beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained (approx 425g) .
• Corn: 1 (15-ounce) can, drained (approx 425g) .
• Diced tomatoes and green chilies: 1 (10-ounce) can, undrained (approx 283g) . The Rotel brand gives the best flavour!
• Cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped (120 ml) . Adds a fresh, zesty vibe to the Black Bean Taco Casserole .

Then, for the glorious cheese top.

• Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (approx 225g) . Sharp cheddar is the way to go.
• Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup, shredded (approx 115g) . This adds a nice, melty layer.
• Green onions: Sliced, for garnish (optional).

Seasoning Notes

Spices make or break it, yeah?

• Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika are the holy trinity. Seriously.
• Garlic and onion build the flavour base. Don't skip them!
• If you're out of smoked paprika, a dash of liquid smoke can work in a pinch.

This Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole wouldn't be complete without these flavour boosters.

Equipment Needed

You won't need much, promise! It's not rocket science.

• A large oven safe skillet ( 12 inch ) or a 9x13 inch baking dish. If you don't have a skillet, just transfer the mixture to the dish once you've sautéed everything on the stove.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Can’t eyeball everything, sadly!
• Cutting board and knife. Self explanatory.

That’s it! This Black Bean Tortilla Casserole inspired, Cheesy Quinoa Bake will come together in a flash. Don’t overthink it! Get the ingredients and start cooking your amazing Easy Quinoa Casserole .

You’re basically making a delicious Mexican Quinoa Bowl that's baked. You've got this!

Southwest Fiesta Skillet Bake: Black Bean, Quinoa & Cheesy Goodness!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good casserole ? This Southwest Fiesta Skillet Bake is like a warm hug in a dish.

It’s packed with black beans , fluffy quinoa , and all sorts of cheesy goodness. Think of it as a Black Bean Mexican Casserole , but way easier.

Ready to get started?

Prep Like a Pro

First things first: mise en place , my friends! Dice that onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Measure out your spices and get your ingredients ready.

Trust me, it makes cooking a breeze. Grab your can of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Rinsing the quinoa is key it gets rid of any bitterness.

Nobody wants a bitter casserole! This is essential !

step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven

Alright, here’s the magic:

1. Sauté the diced onion in olive oil until it softens.
2. Toss in the minced garlic and bell pepper, cooking until they smell amazing.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if you're brave!).
4. Add quinoa, vegetable broth, black beans , corn, and diced tomatoes.
5. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the quinoa's cooked and most of the liquid is gone.
6. Stir in the cilantro.
7. Top generously with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 5- 10 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Casserole Glory

Want to take your Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa game up a notch? Try blooming your spices cooking them briefly in the oil really brings out their flavor.

And don't be shy with the cheese! The cheesier, the better, right? Avoid soggy quinoa by not overcooking it. Aim for al dente! Try using a Black Bean Tortilla Casserole as an inspiration for your casserole recipes.

I love making this a Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole !

This Southwest Quinoa Casserole is not only delicious but also super versatile. You can easily adapt it to your tastes or use up whatever veggies you have on hand.

It is a comforting one-pot dish that I like to cook. Enjoy your Cheesy Quinoa Bake !

Recipe Notes: Your Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa Adventure Starts Here!

Alright, my friend, let's talk about how to make this Southwest Fiesta Skillet Bake truly yours . Think of these notes as your treasure map to flavour paradise!

Plating Perfection and Pairings

Presentation matters, right? For this Cheesy Black Bean & Quinoa , I like to serve it straight from the skillet.

Rustic chic , you know? Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and some fresh cilantro. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette or a scoop of guacamole and tortilla chips.

Honestly, the options are endless! I once served it with a fruity mango salsa and it was chef's kiss !

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? No problem! This Quinoa Casserole Recipe is fantastic the next day.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This Easy Quinoa Casserole freezes surprisingly well. Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. It lasts for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. I find it tastes even better after a day or two the flavors really meld together!

Remixing Your Recipe

Wanna switch things up? Let's do it! I love a versatile recipe.

• Dietary Adaptations: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese shreds. To make a Vegetarian Quinoa Casserole , use veggie crumbles or lentils instead of beans for a protein boost.

• Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness. In the fall, butternut squash works beautifully. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting! This Black Bean Mexican Casserole is a perfect base for whatever ingredients you love!

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's keep it real. This Black Bean Taco Casserole is good for you and tastes amazing. Each serving boasts around 450 calories, 25 grams of protein, and a whopping 10 grams of fiber.

The Black Bean Tortilla Casserole provides a hearty serving of carbs, and is a complete meal. All the ingredients are nutritious.

Plus, quinoa is a complete protein, and black beans are packed with antioxidants!

So, there you have it! All the insider tips and tricks to make this Southwest Quinoa Casserole a total success.

Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Happy cooking, you awesome human!