Black Bean Casserole Recipe
Description: This Mexican vegetarian dish, reminiscent of Tex Mex and Southwestern U.S. flavors, is a delightful one-dish meal perfect for potlucks or quick family dinners. Originally discovered at a local health food coop, this Black Bean Casserole has become a staple for gatherings due to its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s typically made with jalapeno cheese, but can be easily adjusted for a milder palate, especially if small children are part of the audience. Simply substitute with Monterey Jack cheese for a kid-friendly version.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 | Bell pepper |
| 1 | Jar of salsa |
| 2 | Cans of black beans |
| – | Fresh cilantro |
| 1 | Pack of corn tortillas |
| 1 | Block of Monterey Jack cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 95.4
- Fat Content: 5.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 14.8mg
- Sodium Content: 569.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 7.9g
- Fiber Content: 1.9g
- Sugar Content: 3.8g
- Protein Content: 5.7g
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
Saute Vegetables:
- Begin by finely chopping the onion and bell pepper.
- In a skillet, saute the chopped onion and bell pepper in water.
- Yes, water! It works fine and saves some calories.
- Cook until the water has evaporated, and the veggies are soft.
-
Prepare Bean Mixture:
- Add the black beans to the skillet and stir well.
- Pour in the salsa and continue stirring until everything is well combined.
- Once the mixture is heated through, turn off the heat.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro to the mixture and stir.
-
Assemble Casserole:
- Cut the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange the tortilla pieces evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Pour the bean and vegetable mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with slices of Monterey Jack cheese.
-
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
-
Serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven.
- Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Dig in and enjoy this flavorful Black Bean Casserole with friends and family!
Recipe Notes:
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again.
- This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
This easy-to-make Black Bean Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household, whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a cozy dinner at home. Its bold flavors and satisfying ingredients make it a winner every time! 🌶️🧀
