Crock Pot Mexican Casserole (Lightened Up!)*

By srumbel

This yummy Mexican flavored casserole features quinoa, black beans, corn, peppers, tomatoes, lean ground beef and cheese. The flavor is great (my kids loved it…not too spicy) and can be served as a filling for tortillas, to scoop up with tortilla chips, or just on it’s own. The leftovers reheat fabulously as well.

Hope you enjoy it!
from jamiecooksitup.net

Ingredients

• TOPPINGS:
• 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 93% lean, 7% fat)
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 (10 ounce) cans red enchilada sauce (mild or medium; I used medium)
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes (un-drained)
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or canned
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and diced
• 1 green bell pepper, cored and diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 C Cheddar Jack Cheese
• Cilantro
• Tomatoes
• Green onions
• Avocado

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat a skillet up over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, onion and garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper and the taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.

2. Spray a 3-4 quart crock pot with cooking spray. Add the cooked ground beef mixture and all other ingredients (except the cheese and toppings). Give it a nice stir. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

3. When the quinoa is soft and the liquid has been absorbed give it another nice stir and top with the cheese. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

4. Top with cilantro, tomatoes, green onions and avocado.
Serve and enjoy!

Yield: 8 generous servings