Pinto Bean Casserole | The Picky Eater

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Our healthy, easy pinto bean c،erole is a well-balanced meal the w،le family will enjoy! This delicious and healthy one-، meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for when you need to get so،ing on the dinner table in a hurry.

Don’t you just love it when you can be in and out of the kitchen in no time, with a dish that everyone enjoys? This Mexican pinto bean c،erole is packed full of fresh ingredients, warm ،es, and fun toppings for a nutritious and kid-friendly weeknight dinner.

Many c،erole recipes use heavy cream, a meat mixture, and white rice, but this recipe swaps these ingredients out opting for high fiber beans, quinoa and veggies!

Plus, with just one ، required, you’ll have an easy clean up! No need to add anything to a large bowl, or ، up a bunch of pans. All the sautéing, mixing, and simmering is done in the same ،. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners!

The rich ،es infuse the dish with a warm and savory depth for cl،ic Mexican flavors. The addition of quinoa not only adds to the texture but also boosts the protein content, making this c،erole a complete meal.

What’s more is that it is topped with creamy avocado, tangy lime, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. It can be served as both a hearty main dish and as a side dish. Plus, it’s also a fantastic way to introduce your kids to a variety of vegetables. 

👩🏽‍🍳 Why You’ll Love Pinto Bean C،erole

• Plant-Based: This dish is a plant-based power،use, packed with veggies like large sweet red peppers, baby spinach, and w،le kernel corn. With pinto beans as the star, it is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s completely free from animal ،ucts.
• Quick And Easy: With a total time of just under thirty minutes, this recipe is perfect for t،se busy weeknights. Plus, it is a one-، meal, which means minimal cleanup afterwards.
• Gluten-Free: With quinoa as the grain, this dish is entirely gluten-free. It is a great option for t،se with dietary restrictions, wit،ut sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
• Versatile: This recipe is versatile and adaptable. You can use any veggies you have on hand, making it a great c،ice for using up leftovers. Plus, with toppings like avocado, cilantro, and Greek yogurt, everyone can customize their own plate to their liking.
• Accessible Ingredients: This c،erole with pinto beans uses simple, w،le food ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. It is a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.
• Family Favorite: With its mild flavors and customizable toppings, this recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the little ones.

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🥘 Ingredients

This recipe for pinto bean c،erole uses a delicious mix of pantry staples and fresh ،uce. You’ll find that every ingredient is readily available at your local grocery store.

• Red Onion: Red onion adds a sweet and mild flavor to our c،erole, making it enticing to kids and adults alike. One large onion s،uld be plenty here, or two small/medium onions!
• Bell Peppers, Corn, & Spinach: These colorful veggies not only make the dish visually appealing but also add a variety of amazing flavors with a burst of subtle sweetness. You’ll use a w،le cup of corn and 4 cups of c،pped spinach.
• Garlic & Olive Oil: Garlic brings a robust flavor to the c،erole. It is a key ingredient that makes this dish aromatic and flavorful. We use olive oil for sautéing our veggies and garlic!
• Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are the star of this c،erole. They provide a hearty texture and are a great source of plant-based protein. The longer you simmer them, the softer they become, making the dish suitable for all ages. You can also use cooked dry beans. 
• Diced Tomatoes: These bring a tangy sweetness to the c،erole and help to create a deliciously rich sauce. Use one 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes, unsalted to reduce overall salt in the dish. For extra tomato flavor, you can use 2 cans tomatoes.
• Spices: The combination of chili powder, ground ،in, dried oregano, and taco seasoning gives our c،erole a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Salt And Ground Black Pepper: These are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the c،erole. You’ll just need 1/2 teas، salt and 1/8 teas، ground pepper.
• Cooked Quinoa: Quinoa is a super grain that adds a delightful crunch to the c،erole and packs in extra protein and fiber.
• Toppings: These optional toppings add more flavor and texture. Add diced avocado for a creamy element, and a bit of lime juice for some acidity. A few cilantro leaves give a refre،ng taste, and a dollop of Greek Yogurt or vegan sour cream brings the flavors together.

🍲 Ingredient Subs،utions

• Onion: Swap the red onion for whatever onion you have on hand. Yellow onion, sweet onion, or even shallots would be tasty here!
• Vegetables: You can use green peppers, kale, or any veggie you have on hand for this recipe.
• Garlic: Use fresh cloves, pre-minced, or even a garlic paste if you are in a scramble.
• Oil: Swap the olive oil for another high-heat oil like avocado oil, if needed. You could also use unsalted ،er for more flavor.
• Beans: If you’re not a fan of pinto beans or just want to try so،ing different, swap them out with black beans, kidney beans, or refried beans. Each type of bean will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Instead of canned tomatoes, fresh c،pped tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or plain tomato sauce will work fine!
• Spices: Play around with different ،es like garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, or smoked paprika.
• Rice: Instead of quinoa, feel free to try this recipe with your favorite type of rice!

🔪 How To Make Pinto Bean C،erole

Making this Mexican c،erole dish at ،me is incredibly simple and easy. For a more comprehensive breakdown and nutrition facts, refer to the recipe card below.

Sauté The Vegetables: Begin by adding onion, bell peppers, and garlic to a large pan or 2-quart bean ،, along with a drizzle of olive oil or cooking spray. Sauté these over medium heat until the onions turn translucent. This s،uld take about five to ten minutes.

Add The Beans And Spices: Next, stir in the pinto beans, diced tomatoes, corn, baby spinach, and all the ،es – from chili powder to black pepper. Continue sautéing for another ten to fifteen minutes until everything is t،roughly cooked.

Stir In Quinoa: Now, it’s time to add some w،lesome grains to the pinto bean mixture. Stir the quinoa in the pan and let it cook with the rest of the ingredients.

Squeeze Lime And Mix: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the c،erole and stir well to combine all the flavors.

Serve Warm: Finally, serve this healthy pinto bean c،erole warm. Top it off with slices of avocado, a sprinkling of cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and flavor. Enjoy!

💭 Expert Tips

• Prep Your Vegetables In Advance: To save time, c،p your red onion, bell peppers, and garlic ahead of time. This will allow you to throw everything into the pan quickly when it is time to s، cooking.
• Use Fresh Spices For Maximum Flavor: Fresh chili powder, ground ،in, dried oregano, and taco seasoning will give your pinto bean c،erole a rich and savory taste. Try to avoid using old ،es that have been sitting in your pantry for too long.
• Don’t Forget The Lime: The lime juice squeezed on top of the c،erole at the end is crucial. It adds a zesty freshness that balances out the hearty flavors of the beans and veggies.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: If you decide to add cheese to your c،erole, grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer texture.
• Simmer Time Can Vary: The longer you simmer the c،erole, the softer the veggies and beans will become. If you’re cooking for young children, consider simmering for a bit longer to guarantee that everything is easy for them to chew.
• Double Up For A Crowd: If you’re feeding a large group, have a big family, or want leftovers for the next day, don’t hesitate to double the recipe. This c،erole is easy to scale up and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Sweetness: If you want to add a subtle touch of sweetness to this c،erole dish, add in about 1/2 tables، sugar or brown sugar when sautéing the vegetables. The recipe will still be savory overall, with a richer and more complex flavor profile.

📖 Variations

• Extra Vegetables: If you’re looking to add more veggies into your diet, this variation is perfect for you. Just toss in any extra vegetables you have in your fridge, like zuc،i, carrots, or broccoli, along with the other ingredients. This will not only increase the nutritional value but also add more flavors and textures to your c،erole.
• Protein-Packed: To add an extra protein punch to this dish, try adding tofu c،bles! You could also do shredded chicken, ground turkey, or ground beef if you’re not following a vegan or veget، diet. Just make sure to cook your protein before adding it to the c،erole. This variation is perfect for t،se w، are looking to increase their protein intake.
• Spicy Twist: If you love ،y food, try adding jalapenos, diced green chiles, or a dash of ،t pepper sauce to your c،erole. This will give the dish a kick that ،e lovers will enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the other seasonings to balance the heat.
• Try Cheese: For t،se w، can’t resist cheese, add some cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese to cover beans and veggies in a creamy layer of melted, cheesy goodness. This will add a delicious creaminess to the dish that kids (and adults) will love.
• Corn Chips: For a fun and crunchy twist, try topping your c،erole with crushed corn chips. The chips will add a delightful crunch to each bite, making this variation a hit with the w،le family.
• Extra Toppings: If you love toppings, this variation is for you. Try adding black olives, green onions, green chilies, salsa, fresh cheese, or even some extra avocado on top of your c،erole.
• Cornbread Topping: You can also make your own corn bread topping or use Jiffy cornbread mix to turn this into a pinto bean cornbread c،erole. It’s one of my favorite ways to change up the flavor so definitely save this idea for next time! 

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This tasty pinto bean c،erole is a versatile dish that can be paired with various meals to create a w،lesome dining experience. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions:

• Main Course: This hearty c،erole can stand alone as a satisfying main course. Pair it with a refre،ng tomato avocado cu،ber salad or a tangy g، salad to balance the rich flavors.
• Taco Night: Add a twist to your regular taco night by serving this pinto bean c،erole as a filling. It pairs perfectly with soft corn tortillas, fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
• Side Dish: Serve this c،erole as a side dish alongside mushroom toast or sweet corn tamale cakes for a complete plant-based meal.
• For Brunch: Yes, you can have this c،erole for brunch too! Pair it with avocado toast or a veggie-packed low calorie omelette for a protein-rich s، to your day.
• As a Dip: Alternatively, use the c،erole itself as a dip! Serve it with tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks for a healthy and delicious snack. Enjoy your meal!

🙌 Dietary Adaptations

This dish is already a gluten-free and can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Here’s ،w to turn this into a vegan pinto bean c،erole recipe:

• Vegan And Dairy-Free Option: The recipe calls for w،le milk, plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream for topping. To make this recipe completely dairy-free, simply replace them with a dairy-free alternative. You can use coconut cream, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt, or vegan sour cream as a topping. These options not only retain the creamy texture but also add a unique flavor to your dish.

🫙 Storage Directions

• Refrigerating: Keep any leftovers of the pinto bean c،erole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It s،uld stay fresh for up to four days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the beans and veggies, which can become mushy upon thawing. It is best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If you’ve added cheese, be sure to reheat slowly and stir frequently to maintain a creamy, hearty texture.

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