Spicy Black Bean Casserole

The Spicy Black Bean Casserole is a satisfying dish awakening all your senses as you smell the spice, crunch into the cheesy bread topping, and see the colors of the peppers, onion, and celery contrast with the darkness of the beans.  It's a great comfort food dish to have with these wacky weather changes going on across the US this week. 

Try a meatless dish once a week.  That's Vegetarian will provide an easy substitution and/or recipe for you to create the fantastic dish.  Watch the video and download a printable version of the recipe. 

Prepare any one of the dishes and you'll find yourself saying "That's Vegetarian?!"

Spicy Black Bean Casserole

2½c Black beans, rinsed and drained  

1c Onions, chopped
1c Tomato sauce

1c Celery, chopped

1 Sweet red, yellow or orange pepper, chopped

1 1/2t Cilantro, chopped

Chili sauce: 1/4c of hot such as Sriracha for a spicier dish or a 1/2 c of a milder chili sauce for a milder dish

1T Maple syrup

1/2t Powdered ginger

2t Chili powder

1/4-1/2c Low fat Mexican cheese blend, shredded (or a blend of Cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheeses)

2T Panko flakes (or bread crumbs)

1T Cilantro, chopped

1/8t Ground red pepper (or red pepper flakes)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Coat a 2½-quart casserole with non-stick spray and set aside.

Place beans, tomato sauce, onions, celery, pepper, chili sauce, maple syrup, ginger and chili powder in a large bowl and mix well.  Add additional chili sauce until desired heat is achieved.  Spoon into casserole dish. 

Mix cheese(s), panko flakes, parsley, and red pepper together.

Baking options:

1.     Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 min, or until the beans are tender.  Take out of oven and sprinkle with the cheese topping and bake until cheese has melted, about 15 minutes. 

2.     Add the cheese topping, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour for a crustier cheese top.

Serve with baked tortillas garnished with additional fresh cilantro.

Prep time:  15 min

Cook time:  60 min
Difficulty level: Easy

Serving size:  Approx 1c

6pp

Black Bean Casserole Printable Recipe