Three Bean Casserole Recipe 🌶️🧀🍲

Introduction

Welcome to another delightful and easy-to-make recipe from lovewithrecipes.com! This Three Bean Casserole is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish perfect for any potluck, family dinner, or casual get-together. With a blend of beans, vibrant vegetables, a hint of spice, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and cook, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the details of this mouth-watering recipe.

Recipe Information

Ingredients 🛒

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you will need to create this delicious casserole. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking:

1. Kidney beans – 1 can
2. Navy beans – 1 can
3. Black beans – 1 can
4. Onion – 1/2, chopped
5. Green pepper – 1/2, chopped
6. Garlic – 1 clove, minced
7. Chipotle chile in adobo – 1, chopped
8. Adobo sauce – 1 tablespoon
9. Barbecue sauce – 1 cup
10. Toasted wheat germ – 3/4 cup
11. Cheddar cheese – 1/4 cup, shredded
12. Ground cumin – 1/4 teaspoon
13. Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted
14. Cilantro – For garnish (optional)
15. Flat leaf parsley – For garnish (optional)

Instructions 📋

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your Three Bean Casserole:

1. Preheat and Prepare

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and reach that perfect golden-brown topping.
   • Spray a 9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.

2. Combine the Beans and Veggies

   • In a large bowl, combine the three cans of beans (kidney, navy, and black beans). These beans provide a variety of textures and flavors, making the dish more interesting.
   • Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the bowl. These veggies add a nice crunch and freshness to the casserole.
   • Mix in the minced garlic, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, and barbecue sauce. The chipotle chile and adobo sauce give a smoky, spicy flavor, while the barbecue sauce adds a sweet tanginess.

3. Transfer to Baking Dish

   • Spoon the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it cooks uniformly.

4. Prepare the Topping

   • In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, toasted wheat germ, ground cumin, and melted butter. This topping will add a delicious, crunchy, and cheesy layer to your casserole.
   • Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

5. Add the Topping

   • Sprinkle the cheese and wheat germ mixture evenly over the bean mixture in the baking dish. This ensures that every bite will have a bit of that delicious topping.

6. Bake

   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Bake until the beans are hot and the topping is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, adding a delightful texture to the dish.

7. Garnish and Serve

   • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and flat leaf parsley if desired. These herbs add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Tips and Variations 🌟

• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese and use a vegan butter alternative.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like corn, tomatoes, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you love spicy food, add more chipotle chiles or even some jalapeños to kick up the heat.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavors.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Three Bean Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory and slightly spicy flavors of the casserole.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of rice for a complete meal that’s filling and satisfying.

Nutritional Information 🍎

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 320.4 kcal
• Total Fat: 10.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
• Cholesterol: 22.5 mg
• Sodium: 648.9 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Dietary Fiber: 13.3 g
• Sugars: 3.1 g
• Protein: 17.4 g

Conclusion 🥳

This Three Bean Casserole is a versatile, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply looking for a hearty meal that’s easy to make, this casserole is sure to satisfy. With its combination of beans, vegetables, and a cheesy topping, it offers a delicious medley of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice as well.

Enjoy the process of making this dish and savor every bite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family—they’ll thank you for it! Happy cooking! 🌟🍽️🌿