Looking for a vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends? This Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole is a hearty, flavour-packed dish that brings the bold spices of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table in a nutritious way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a winner. Loaded with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, sweetcorn, and a medley of zesty seasonings, it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers big on taste without a fuss. The best part? You can make it in a slow cooker for hands-free convenience or on the stovetop if you’re pressed for time.
Not only is this casserole packed with wholesome ingredients, but it’s also endlessly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences—add a kick of heat with jalapeños, mellow it out with creamy toppings like sour cream or avocado, or serve it as a main dish, side dish, or even a filling for wraps or tacos. Whether you’re cooking for a vegetarian family or need a comforting dish to please a mixed crowd, this Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole is guaranteed to become a favourite in your rotation. Get ready to dig into a dish that’s equal parts healthy and delicious!
Tex-Mex Quinoa Casserole
Cooking Time:
Stove Top: 30 minutes
Slow Cooker: low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
340g uncooked quinoa, rinsed
1 can (425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (425g) sweetcorn, drained
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
1 can (283g) enchilada sauce
1 bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
950ml vegetable or chicken stock
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheese
Diced avocado
Fresh coriander
Sour cream
Lime wedges
Diced tomatoes
Sliced spring onions
Stove Top Method
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the diced jalapeño if using.
2. Add the quinoa, black beans, sweetcorn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, vegetable or chicken stock, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the quinoa is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, or fresh coriander.
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Method 2: Slow Cooker
1. Add the rinsed quinoa, black beans, sweetcorn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, bell pepper, onion, garlic, jalapeño (if using), vegetable or chicken stock, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to your slow cooker.
Stir everything together until well mixed.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through if possible. Cook until the quinoa is fully cooked and the mixture has thickened.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Serve directly from the slow cooker with your favourite toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, lime wedges, or fresh coriander.
Cooking Tips:
Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa, as this removes the bitter coating (saponin).
For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper before adding to the slow cooker.
If the mixture seems too dry during cooking, add an extra 1/2 cup of broth.
For a spicier version, add an extra jalapeño or some cayenne pepper.
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Benefits:
High in protein from quinoa and black beans
Rich in fiber
Good source of vitamins and minerals
Can be made vegetarian/vegan by using vegetable broth and avoiding dairy toppings
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
Add diced chicken or ground turkey for extra protein
Use different beans like pinto or kidney beans
Add diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash
Incorporate different colored bell peppers
Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smoky flavor
This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences!
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