Easy One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole
This easy, one pan Mexican casserole made with quinoa is the perfect solution if you’re looking for a new, delicious dinner that offers nutrition and convenience! It’s filling with a good balance of both protein and fiber. Plus, easily customizable with different toppings like most Mexican-inspired dishes are. {Gluten-Free}
Each serving has 35 grams of protein and 12.5 grams of fiber!
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. A delicious way to increase overall protein and fiber intake!
Prep ahead up to 24 hours prior to baking or brown the meat up to a day beforehand (or even pull from freezer!) to make this casserole a super low prep dinner on busy nights.
🧑🍳✅Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey. I used 90/10 ground beef and I have used turkey!
1 cup raw quinoa, rinsed; or buy pre-rinsed quinoa for convenience!
1.5 cups of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained. I used Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies.
1 (14.5 oz) can of (drained) corn. Or, about 2 cups of frozen corn.
1 bell pepper, diced small.
1/2-1 large onion, diced small.
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
1/2-1 packet taco seasoning (or use 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp salt)
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, optional.
1 cup shredded cheese., plus more if preferred.
Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa, green onions, hot sauce, or whatever store-bought sauce you want to drizzole on top!
Full recipe at link in bio: ModeratelyMessyRD.com
Search “quinoa” OR comment “recipe” and I will DM it to you!! This is a really good and healthy one!
#quinoarecipe #easydinneridea #onepanmeal #easycasseroles #highproteindinner
If you're looking for a healthy yet satisfying dinner that saves time and effort, this easy one pan Mexican quinoa casserole ticks all the boxes. Quinoa is an excellent base ingredient because it provides a complete plant-based protein, supplying all nine essential amino acids, making it a fantastic option whether you use ground beef or turkey. Adding black beans and vegetables like bell peppers and onions boosts fiber content substantially, promoting digestive health and sustained energy release throughout the evening. Using canned diced tomatoes and corn not only adds vibrant color and texture but also incorporates natural sweetness and extra nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. The inclusion of taco seasoning and chipotle peppers adds bold, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors typical of Mexican cuisine, allowing flexibility to adjust the heat level to your taste. One of the biggest benefits of this casserole is its convenience. You can prepare the dish in advance, even browning the meat ahead or using frozen ingredients, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze portions for up to three months, ensuring you have wholesome meals ready to go. For topping options, fresh avocado brings healthy fats, while Greek yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess that balances the spices. Cilantro and green onions offer fresh herbal notes, and salsa or hot sauce lets you customize each bite. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Beyond taste and nutrition, it’s incredibly versatile: swap ground beef for turkey or extra beans for a vegetarian twist, or try different cheeses to suit your preferences. Overall, this Mexican quinoa casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines convenience and wholesome ingredients. It’s a perfect way to boost your protein and fiber intake while enjoying a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that suits various dietary needs.