Chipotle black bean quinoa casserole (gluten-free)

Gluten-free chipotle black bean and quinoa casserole -- a spicy, hearty, meatless weeknight dinner recipe that's oh so easy and cheesy. 

Guess what? I've got another great recipe to add to your easy and healthy weeknight dinner list: chipotle black bean and quinoa casserole. And odds are you have most of the ingredients on hand on any given weeknight.

This casserole is not only delicious and filling, it's also meatless, with all the protein coming from black beans. And the quinoa provides a touch of chewiness that adds to the heartiness of the overall dish. The key to the awesome spiciness comes from Cabot Chipotle Cheddar cheese -- just enough to give it a real kick without overpowering the cheesy flavor. Served with spicy salsa and cool avocado, either cubed or mashed into a lazy guacamole, you can enjoy this quinoa casserole as either a dinner entree or a brunch casserole, if you prefer savory brunch dishes. 

And the recipe really couldn't be easier, which is why I think you'll enjoy making it as a weeknight dinner. Once the quinoa is cooked, mix all the ingredients together and bake. Easy peasy! And, as a bonus, it's gluten-free!

I adapted this recipe from Eating Well magazine, which called for making the dish as muffins. It was cute until I tried to get the muffins out of the pan. Despite the prepared non-stick pan, I could never get the muffins out of the pan in one piece, nor could I ever get that muffin pan completely clean, despite multiple soakings (arrgghh!), so I'd highly recommend using my casserole method instead. Unless you just really like a big ol' mess.

If you'd prefer a less spicy version of this black bean and quinoa casserole, simply substitute a more mild cheddar and serve with a super-mild salsa -- or omit the salsa entirely and opt for creamy guacamole instead. 

See? It's not so hard to stop eating crappy processed foods for dinner, is it?

Do you try to eat meatless sometimes during the week? If so, what's your favorite easy meatless dish? Leave a comment: The Ninj wants to know.

Chipotle Black Bean and Quinoa Casserole

(adapted from Eating Well)


Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
4 eggs
1/2 of a 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed
3/4 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup sliced green onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded Cabot Chipotle Cheddar cheese
Salsa and avocado for serving

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare 1 cup quinoa according to package directions and drain (if you don't have directions, simple add the quinoa to 2 cups boiling water, cover and simmer for about 15 or until tender). Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs then add the beans, cottage cheese, green onion, cilantro, flour, baking powder and salt and stir until well combined. Fold in the quinoa and add the mixture to a prepared 8" x 11" casserole dish (or similar 1.5-2 quart dish). Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the cheese and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is beginning to brown.

Serve with salsa, chopped avocado and/or guacamole.

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