Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Recipe

Are you craving a flavourful and hearty meal rich in protein? Try the cheesy spicy black bean recipe.

It combines the rich flavour of black beans with the spiciness of seasonings and a layer of melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Robust and Spicy Flavours: The combination of smoky spices, tangy salsa, and spicy jalapeños creates a fiesta of flavours in every bite.

Quick and Easy: This casserole requires only 15 minutes of prep time and is best for busy weeknights.

Budget-friendly: It is filling and affordable, as it is made from pantry staples such as black beans, corn, and cheese.

Customizable: Change its spice level according to what you prefer, or swap its ingredients or even make it vegan by easy substitutions.

Crowd Favourite: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, our dish serves 6-8 people and reheats quite brilliantly.

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup salsa (medium or spicy, based on preference)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for extra heat)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chilli powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried oregano

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

The Oven Preheated: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190 °C). Grease a baking dish of size 9×13 with either olive oil or cooking oil spray.

Cook the Vegetables: Heat some olive oil in the frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for three to four minutes or until soft.

Add Spices and Beans: Cumin, chilli powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and jalapeño (if using) come next. Black beans, corn, and salsa go in behind them. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes; add salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole: Pour the bean mixture into a greased baking dish, adding 1.5 cups of shredded cheese as a topping and including crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Bake: Bake until cheese turns bubbly and melted, it may take around 20-25 minutes. If you want a golden top, broil for around 2 minutes, but have a look carefully to avoid burning.

Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for around 5 minutes. Try adding cilantro as a topping and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Spicy Black Bean Bake

Control the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by using a mild or spicy salsa or adding or omitting jalapeños.

Cheese Choices: Use flavours such as Monterey Jack, pepper-jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.

Avoid Sogginess: Remember to drain and rinse the black beans properly to remove extra liquid.

Add Protein: For a satisfying meal, add some ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo.

Quick Fix: You can save a little time in the prep work by using pre-chopped vegetables or frozen corn.

Variations and Substitutions

Plant-Based Option: If you want it vegan, replace the normal cheese with plant-based cheese and choose vegan salsa.

Gluten-Free: You will need to ensure that the tortilla chips and salsa are labelled gluten-free so that they really are gluten-free.

Lower-Carb: You can skip the tortilla chips for a low-carb option and serve the casserole with cauliflower rice.

Different Beans: One can have fun using other beans like pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans for a different taste.

Extra Veggies: More vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms, can be added to improve the health of your dish. They will add nutrition and, of course, flavour!

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes: Combine with a refreshing green salad for some crunch, Mexican rice for flavour, or roasted vegetables for added nutrients.

Toppings: Add sour cream for some creaminess and guacamole for richness, sliced avocado for some extra texture, or more salsa for an extra zest.

Drinks: Enjoy with an iced tea for a cool sip, or sparkling water with lime to add a happy sparkle.

Tortillas: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas for a fun taco-style feast.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead

Prepare casserole 1 day ahead and keep covered, refrigerated.

Bake when ready, giving an additional 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Storing

Good leftovers may be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed throughout.

Freezing

Either unbaked or baked casseroles can be frozen in an airtight container that is freezer-safe for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based cheese and ensure that your salsa is also vegan-friendly. For creaminess, consider using either some vegan sour cream or an avocado.

How spicy is this casserole?

The level of spice depends on the salsa and jalapeños: for a mild dish, use mild salsa and skip the jalapeños; for a spicier flavour, use hot salsa and add jalapeños.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Absolutely! Cook 1 ½ cups of dried black beans until tender, following which you can use them in the recipe as directed.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Drain and rinse the canned beans thoroughly, being sure not to add any additional liquid besides that in the salsa.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch dishes. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cheesy spicy black bean bake recipe offers an ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Whether you’re doing a week’s worth of meal preps, entertaining guests for dinner, or just wanting a quick vegetarian meal, this casserole is perfect.

Try it today and up your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly meal!

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