Are you tired of boring, time-consuming meals that leave you exhausted? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this Quick and Easy Cheesy Black Bean Quinoa Bake - a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that's not just delicious, but can be whipped up in under 40 minutes! Packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and water is absorbed.
- While quinoa is cooking, drain and rinse the black beans. Measure out the corn and shredded cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the quinoa mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the quinoa mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a fluffy texture.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer when draining quinoa and beans to prevent any small grains from slipping through.
- For extra flavor, consider using a spicy salsa or adding a dash of chili powder to kick up the heat.
- Make sure to drain beans and corn completely to prevent excess moisture in your dish.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish is incredibly versatile - feel free to add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or swap cheeses to customize to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
