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4.9 from 222 votes

Cheesy Black Bean Quinoa Bake

Perfect for any time of day, this recipe delivers great flavor effortlessly.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked quinoa about 680 grams (see note)
  • 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 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked chopped chicken (rotisserie chicken works great here - you can easily leave the chicken out for a meatless dish as well)
  • 2-3 cups shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses
  • chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  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.

Notes

  • Halving the Recipe: this recipe can easily be halved for a 9X9-inch baking dish.
  • Instant Pot: my go-to method for cooking quinoa these days is to combine equal parts quinoa and water in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, quick release.
  • Stovetop: on the stovetop, combine 1 1/2 cups water or broth for every 1 cup of quinoa plus a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 14-15 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes off the heat.
  • Quinoa: one cup dry quinoa will yield about 2 1/2 to 3 cups cooked quinoa. 

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 375kcal (19%) Carbohydrates 37g (12%) Protein 28g (56%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 61mg (20%) Sodium 988mg (41%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 375kcal 19%
Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Protein 28g 56%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 61mg 20%
Sodium 988mg 41%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.