Golden Cheesy Bean Bake

Name: Golden Cheesy Bean Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 0.5 yellow onion (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 2 clove garlic (minced); 2 can black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 2 corn tortillas (cut into strips or crushed); 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

A comforting baked casserole featuring black beans and crushed tomatoes, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a hint of smoky spice, with fresh cilantro garnish.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
Servings: 2
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $5.25/serving

Dietary

Gluten-Free
High-Protein
Vegetarian
Pescatarian
High-Fiber

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 yellow onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
2 clove garlic (minced)
2 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 corn tortillas (cut into strips or crushed)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish (around 8x8 inches or similar size for two servings).
Prepare the bean mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 diced yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper; cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in 2 minced cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add 2 cans black beans, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
Assemble the bake: Spread half of the bean mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the corn tortillas. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining bean mixture, tortillas, and cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bake is heated through. If desired, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown top.
Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if using. Cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave.

Notes

For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the bean mixture. This bake reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 1102
Protein: 59.1 g
Carbohydrates: 155.1 g
Fat: 27.5 g
Fiber: 35.9 g
Sodium: 3899 mg
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Sugar: 29.2 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg