Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole - A lightened-up, healthy enchilada bake chockfull of quinoa, black beans and cheesy goodness!
photo cred: http://damndelicious.net/

We had this last week, and while I felt it could have used something extra to give it zing, we all enjoyed it. I think I would add extra cilantro and lime, and more heat.

Quinoa Enchilada Casserole

1 cup quinoa
10 oz Enchilada Sauce (recipe below)
1 can diced green chiles
corn, I used frozen
1/2 c black beans, drained and rinsed (feel free to use more)
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro 
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
s&p, to taste
3/4 c cheddar
3/4 c mozzarella
1 avocado, diced
1 roma, diced

In a large saucepan of 2 cups water, cook quinoa according to package instructions; set aside.

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly oil an 8x8 or 2 quart baking dish. 

In a large bowl, combine quinoa, enchilada sauce, green chiles, corn, black beans, cilantro, cumin and chili powder; season with s&p, to taste. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella.

Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake until bubbly and cheeses have melted, about 15 minutes.

Garnish with avocado and tomato. As I mentioned, here I would add more cilantro, and have some lime on the side.

Enchilada Sauce (You could also buy some, but I preferred homemade)

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp oregano
15 oz tomato sauce
1 c chicken stock

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat - or in my old stoves case, on low :-). Add onion and cook until just browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and oregano and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Sauteing your spices for a few seconds will give your sauce a fuller flavor.

Remove from heat, and strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on the onion to extract the sauce. You can add the onions to your enchilada filling, but just want it separated from the sauce, because you'll have extra. It makes about 2 cups. 


Bon Appetite!

Comments

  1. I am always begging friends for quinoa recipes that I think my hubby will eat- I'll just add a little venison or shredded chicken and he'll eat this. Thanks!

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