Mexican Quinoa Casserole

This mexican quinoa casserole is a warm, zesty & cheesy quinoa bake. This is my new favorite quinoa recipe! It is a delicious gluten-free & dairy-free recipe using healthy ingredients, unlike most casseroles that are high in fat and cholesterol!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tricolor quinoa (or other variety)
• 4 cups water
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 yellow (or red) onion, chopped
• 1 sweet red pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1 cup dairy-free cheese sauce
• Toppings: avocado & cilantro (optional)

Directions:

1. Chop veggies and set aside.
2. Place quinoa in sauce pan over medium heat. Stir in taco seasonings. Continue to stir to allow the quinoa to brown slightly, but do not burn.
3. Add sliced garlic and water to the quinoa. Stir, then bring to a boil for minute. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer for about 15 min. or until quinoa is tender.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the cheese sauce.
5. Rinse beans if using canned.
6. Add quinoa to a large, lightly greased, baking dish (I use 1 tsp. of coconut oil). Add the black beans, red peppers, onions, and olives. Drizzle with cheese sauce and toss to combine all ingredients well.
7. Cover and bake at 300F for approximately 20 min. depending on your oven (or long enough to heat through).
8. Top with sliced avocado and cilantro. Serve & enjoy!

You could add any other veggies you may like, green or yellow peppers would also taste yummy!

Quinoa can sometimes have a bland taste to it if not seasoned properly. Boiling it with seasonings and garlic really enhances the flavor!

You could also add your own seasonings instead of buying a seasoning packet. Chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and sea salt would work well if you have them!

Stir the quinoa with the taco seasonings, then add sliced garlic. Pour in 4 cups water and boil. Quickly reduce heat and cover.

Cook quinoa until all water is absorbed and is nice and fluffy. You could also use a rice cooker if you have one!

Drizzle with ooey, gooey dairy-free cheese sauce!

Combine all ingredients together and spread out evenly. Cover and bake.

Top with avocado and cilantro (not necessary, but it's REALLY good this way!) I could eat avocado on anything!

This is a delicious, healthy quinoa recipe! I just love the taste of this ooey, gooey quinoa bake. This recipe makes plenty of leftovers (but they usually do not last long!) It's that good!

Quinoa is a healthy, gluten-free grain that's high in protein. I eat it all of the time. You might also like these other quinoa recipes!