Go Back
- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, well-drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 medium bell pepper, diced - 1 small red onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, avocado, and cilantro for garnish The main ingredients in this casserole blend perfectly. Quinoa is the star, offering protein and fiber. The vegetable broth adds depth and richness. Black beans give a hearty texture and extra protein. The additional ingredients bring sweetness and freshness. Sweet corn and diced tomatoes introduce bright flavors. The bell pepper adds a crunchy bite that contrasts nicely with the soft quinoa. For seasoning, I use red onion and garlic to build a solid base. The cheese on top melts beautifully and creates a golden layer. I love adding avocado and cilantro as toppings for a fresh finish. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process, ensuring you achieve that perfect Southwest flavor. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms your oven for baking. 2. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This removes any bitterness. 3. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. 4. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the broth and become fluffy. 5. After cooking, remove the pot from heat and leave it covered to keep warm. 6. In a large bowl, mix the fluffy quinoa with 1 can of drained black beans, 1 can of drained corn, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 finely diced red onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. 7. Add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well until everything is combined. 1. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Carefully transfer the quinoa mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. 2. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Make sure it covers the mixture. 3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while baking. 1. Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. 2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and turn golden. 3. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix well. 4. Before serving, add diced avocado and chopped cilantro on top for extra flavor. You can find the Full Recipe for this dish above. Rinse your quinoa well. This step keeps the quinoa from tasting bitter. Use vegetable broth instead of water. It adds a lot of flavor to the dish. You can serve the casserole directly from the dish. This gives a cozy, homely feel. For a fancier look, scoop it into bowls. Pair it with a side salad for a fresh touch. Feel free to add spices to make it your own. Try extra cumin or a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also change up the garnishes. Diced tomatoes or green onions can add a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, you can replace quinoa with rice or millet. Both options work well and will give a nice texture. Cook rice or millet according to package instructions, then mix it in just like quinoa. For cheese, you have great dairy-free options. Try using nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. They add a creamy texture and a cheesy flavor without any dairy. Spice lovers can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños. If you prefer less heat, reduce the spices. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. You can also add different veggies for variety. Consider adding zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms. These additions bring new flavors and colors to your casserole. Serving style can change the whole vibe of your dish. You can serve it family-style in the casserole dish for a cozy feel. Or, for a fancier look, portion it into individual bowls. Garnishes can enhance visual appeal. Try topping with fresh diced avocado or a sprinkle of lime zest. Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color. These small touches make your casserole look even more inviting. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. After you make your delicious casserole, let it cool for about 30 minutes. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in an airtight container. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are also fine. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It stays good for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. For the best taste, reheat your leftovers in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to hold in moisture. Heat it for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat it for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. This keeps the flavors strong. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. Cut it into single portions for easy meals later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This keeps air out. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Enjoy your tasty meal even after some time! Southwest Quinoa Casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This way, the flavors stay rich, and the dish remains safe to eat. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it's best to toss it. To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently in the oven or microwave. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it fully, then let it cool before placing it in the fridge. You can also assemble it and bake it the next day. If you want to save time, you can cook the quinoa and chop the veggies in advance. Just keep them separate until you're ready to mix and bake. This makes meal prep easy and fun! Pairing sides with Southwest Quinoa Casserole adds balance to your meal. A fresh green salad works well. You can also serve it with avocado slices for creaminess. Cornbread or tortilla chips give a nice crunch. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. These sides make your meal even more delightful. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Southwest quinoa casserole. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your dish. I shared variations to customize your casserole and detailed how to store leftovers properly. In conclusion, this dish is easy to prepare and flexible. You can make it your own by changing ingredients or toppings. Enjoy making this satisfying meal that your family will love.

Southwest Quinoa Casserole

Elevate your dinner game with this Zesty Southwest Quinoa Casserole that bursts with flavor! Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and a medley of veggies, this dish is both hearty and healthy. Easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family, it features melty cheddar and a fresh avocado topping. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delightful meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) black beans, well-drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 medium bell pepper (choose red or yellow for sweetness), diced

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 ripe avocado, diced (for garnish)

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the casserole.

    In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should be fluffy and all liquid should be absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, to keep warm.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (including all their juices), diced bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

        Carefully transfer the quinoa mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.

          Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the quinoa mixture, ensuring it covers the surface.

            Tightly cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

              After the initial bake time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

                Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

                  Before serving, top the warm casserole with diced avocado and freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole straight from the dish for a homely feel or portion it into individual bowls for a more polished presentation. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!