Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole
This Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole is a fantastic, flavorful option for your next casserole dinner recipes rotation. It’s hearty, packed with vibrant flavors, and comes together easily for a satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Quinoa: Use any color of quinoa you prefer. You can substitute with brown rice for a different texture.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: Lean ground beef also works well.
- Black Beans: Canned pinto beans are a great alternative.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn will all work.
- Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack are best. For a dairy-free option, use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese.
- Canned Tomatoes with Green Chiles: If you can’t find these, use diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chiles separately.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large skillet, saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa
Rinse your quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and heated through.
4. Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Transfer the quinoa and meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired. This hearty casserole dinner recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
Variation Ideas:
- Add diced zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crunchy texture.
- Stir in a can of green chiles for an extra kick without added spice.
- Include a dollop of your favorite salsa or guacamole when serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through, or cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for your weekly meal prep.
- What can you serve with this casserole?
Serve it with a simple green salad, a side of avocado slices, or extra salsa.
- Can you make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the onions and bell peppers.
- What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Tex-Mex blend all work wonderfully for this casserole dinner recipe.
- Do you need to rinse the quinoa?
Yes, rinsing quinoa removes its natural bitter coating called saponin, resulting in a better flavor.
