Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your soul? Introducing the mouthwatering **GF Quinoa Enchilada Casserole**—a vibrant Mexican-inspired dish that’s not only gluten-free but also packed with wholesome ingredients! In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves six, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With layers of fluffy quinoa, zesty black beans, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love!
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 cup corn
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the 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.
- 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, drained black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Spread the quinoa and bean mixture evenly over the sauce layer.
- Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over the quinoa mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the natural saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste, ensuring your casserole is flavorful and delicious.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match! Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or your favorite vegetables to the quinoa mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the quinoa mix for an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: While shredded cheese is a must for that gooey topping, you can experiment with different types like pepper jack for a spicier twist or a dairy-free alternative if you're looking to keep it vegan.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with Freshness: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. It adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful GF Quinoa Enchilada Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
