Calling all Mexican food enthusiasts and quinoa lovers! Get ready to embark on a tantalizing culinary journey with our Spicy Mexican Quinoa Casserole. This extraordinary dish is a harmonious blend of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Prepared with a medley of quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and an array of spices, this casserole offers a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro provides the perfect finishing touch, elevating this dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Not only is this casserole an explosion of flavor, but it also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Quinoa, a gluten-free grain, is a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Combined with the heart-healthy black beans and antioxidant-rich vegetables, this dish becomes a nutritional goldmine.
This versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken. And for those seeking a spicier kick, add an extra pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Ready to indulge in this culinary masterpiece? Our recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create this flavorful dish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delectable journey with the Spicy Mexican Quinoa Casserole!
MEXICAN QUINOA
As a healthier alternative to Mexican or Spanish rice, this version uses gluten-free quinoa instead of rice for its additional protein and fiber and great taste. However, it still has all the great flavor and spices of your usual Mexican or Spanish rice dish.
Provided by Occasional Cooker
Categories Side Dish Grain Side Dish Recipes
Time 40m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir quinoa and onion in the hot oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno pepper to quinoa mixture and cook until garlic is fragrant and slightly softened, 1 or 2 more minutes.
- Mix undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning mix, and chicken broth into quinoa mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 244 calories, Carbohydrate 38.1 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 986.1 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
SPICY MEXICAN QUINOA CASSEROLE
A healthy mexican casserole dish that is really yummy and easy to make. For an added twist...if you like stuffed peppers, at step 5 stuff mix into 4-5 large bell peppers, add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of pan and bake for 30 minutes.Top with additional salsa and shredded cheese! Enjoy!
Provided by SarahKaye
Categories Grains
Time 55m
Yield 1 Casserole, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook quinoa in chicken broth according to package directions.
- In a large flatbottom skillet sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers and jalapenos.
- Add rest of ingredients and cook until warmed through.
- Fluff quinoa when it's done and add to skillet with everything else.
- Transfer to a stone bakeware pan sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Serve with additional salsa & top with shredded cheese, if desired.
BAKED MEXICAN QUINOA CASSEROLE
1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup uncooked quinoa 28 oz can diced tomatoes, with liquid ½ cup water 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp chili powder Salt & freshly ground pepper 11 oz chick peas 3 cups baby spinach
Provided by lik2fish
Categories Mexican
Time 1h20m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in pan. Add onion and garlic, and saute about 8 minutes. Remove from heat; and transfer to oven-safe casserole dish if not already using one.
- Add quinoa, tomatoes, chick peas, water, tomato paste and spices. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- COVER and place in oven
- Caferfully remove casserole from oven and stir in spinach. It will wilt from the heat.
- Top with sour cream, diced avocado and/or cilantro and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 338.7, Fat 7.6, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 303.2, Carbohydrate 57.5, Fiber 10.1, Sugar 7, Protein 12.9
Tips:
- For a grainier texture, use uncooked quinoa instead of cooked quinoa.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to taste.
- If you like your casserole more saucy, add an extra can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Top the casserole with your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
- Serve the casserole with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This spicy Mexican quinoa casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, it is a great way to use up leftover quinoa. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give this casserole a try. You won't be disappointed!
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