Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Our Mexican Quinoa Enchilada Bake is the perfect fusion of hearty quinoa, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection! This vibrant dish not only delivers on flavor but also packs a nutritious punch, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be serving up a deliciously satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Mix thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Transfer the quinoa mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly over the enchilada sauce.
- Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the quinoa mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the entire surface of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or extra cilantro.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can taste bitter. This simple step enhances the flavor of your dish.
- Customize Your Beans: Feel free to swap out black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference. Each type adds its own unique flavor and texture to the bake.
- Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the quinoa mixture. This not only increases the veggie content but also adds vibrant colors to your dish.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Experiment with different types of cheese! While shredded cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a delightful twist and extra creaminess.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let your dish sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.
- Serve with Toppings: Elevate your meal by serving with toppings like diced avocado, fresh lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and a burst of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
