Cheesy Black Bean Quinoa Bake

Cheesy Black Bean Quinoa Bake is a chicken recipe built around cooked quinoa, tomato sauce and salsa verde. Plan on 8 servings and about 45 minutes.

• Yield 8 servings
• Ready in 45 minutes
• Prep 15 minutes
• Cook 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked quinoa (about 680 grams)
• 2 (15-ounce each) cans black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 16 ounces tomato sauce
• 12 ounces salsa verde (can sub your favorite tomato salsa, if desired)
• Juice of 1 lime (about a tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 2-3 cups shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses
• Chopped (fresh cilantro for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the quinoa, black beans, tomato sauce, salsa verde, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chicken (if using). Taste and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
3. Spread half of the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Layer with the rest of the quinoa mixture followed by the remaining cheese.
4. Bake, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbling. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve with tortilla chips, if desired.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.