Southwest Quinoa Bake

Make-ahead meals are the key to happiness (and sanity)! This Southwest Quinoa Bake takes the pressure off on busy weeknights.

Keep calm and eat well

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, meal prepping is where it’s at. Especially if you lead a busy life – and who doesn’t these days?! I could even go so far as to say that “Meal prepping saves lives.” Hangry is not a good state to be in, whether it’s you, your spouse or partner or your kids. Hangry people are scary people who need something wholesome and nourishing ASAP – like this Southwest Quinoa Bake that you can make ahead on the weekend and stash in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Or you can just bake it on prep day and enjoy reheat & eat convenience later in the week depending on how you anticipate your week will shake out.

I know that my weeks are always busy and that they’re a lot like a giant snowball rolling downhill, picking up speed as the week goes on. That’s why I always try to prep one make-ahead meal each week. It may not be as convenient as cold cereal or a trip through the drive-thru but it’s whole lot more satisfying and healthy so I’ll take that over super-convenient any day.

Confession time

I don’t really like quinoa. I mean, I do, but not when it’s all by itself as a side dish. To me, plain quinoa is not tasty but when you combine it with your favorite salsa, canned black beans, a little frozen corn, chicken and cheese like this Southwest Quinoa Bake well, then it’s delicious. It’s kind of like fajitas or chicken tacos all wrapped up in one hearty, comforting dish and when you put it that way…I guess I really do like quinoa (Hahaha! Now I sound like my kids!) But in all seriousness though, this dish is delish and it’s easy to make especially if you use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken from another meal (or our Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe). It been appearing more and more often on our weekly meal plan and even the kids like it as long as I stick with a mild salsa and serve theirs with a dollop of sour cream.

Give it try

If you’re feeling the squeeze that comes with a packed work/family/social calendar or just life in general then try adding this Southwest Quinoa Bake to your next meal prep so you have a little something healthy and hearty tucked away for ‘one of those nights’.  You’ll be glad you did. 

Helpful Tidbits

To make vegetarian: Substitute an additional 1 – 1 ½ cups black beans (or pinto beans) for chicken.

To make vegan: Substitute an additional 1 – 1 ½ cups black beans (or pinto beans) for chicken and omit cheese (or use your favorite non-dairy cheese alternative).

This dish may be made ahead through Step 5 then stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking in a preheated 350℉ oven for 40-45 minutes.

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Let's Get Cookin'

Southwest Quinoa Bake

• Author: Jessica Beacom
• Prep Time: 20 mins.
• Cook Time: 25-30 mins.
• Total Time: 45-50 mins.
• Yield: Serves 4-5
• Cuisine: Gluten-free, Egg-free, Nut-free

Print Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

Ingredients

• 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• 2 tsp. coconut oil, plus more for greasing the baking dish
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained (we used Tiny Hero Quinoa*)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup frozen corn
• 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles, lightly drained
• 12 ounces salsa of choice
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• ½ tsp. ground cumin
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ – ½ tsp. salt
• ⅛ – ¼ tsp. chipotle chili powder (may substitute regular chili powder)
• ½ cup finely shredded cheese, divided (such as cheddar, monterey jack or ‘Mexican’ blend)
• Chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges and diced avocado for serving

* Note – If using Tiny Hero Quinoa, cooking directions differ slightly from regular quinoa so you’ll want to cook it according to the package directions instead of those in Step 2 below. 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease a small casserole dish or 9×9-inch glass baking dish with coconut oil and set aside.
2. Place quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water for 30-60 seconds. Transfer to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups water or broth. Bring to a coil then cover pan and  reduce heat to medium-low. Allow quinoa to cook, covered, for 15 minutes or liquid is absorbed. Let stand covered for 5 minutes then fluff with fork.
3. While quinoa is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tsp. coconut oil. When oil starts to shimmer, add cubed chicken. Cook 5-6 minutes then stir with a spatula. Continue cooking another 3-4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside.
4. In a large bowl, combine drained quinoa and chicken with remaining ingredients reserving ¼ cup shredded cheese for later use. Stir well to combine.
5. Transfer to greased baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake at 350℉ for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil and sprinkle remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheese over quinoa mixture before serving.
7. Serve with cilantro, lime wedges and diced avocado.

Notes

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/5th of recipe
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g

What’s your go-to busy weeknight meal? Are you more inclined to prepare make-ahead meals or just wing it when life gets messy? What, if anything, is holding you back from meal prepping? Share in the comments below!

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About Jessica Beacom

Jessica is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living in Boulder, CO with her hubby and two daughters. She's been described as a 'real food evangelist' and loves sharing her knowledge with others to help them break free of the diet mentality and find their own food freedom. In her spare time she enjoys CrossFit, telemark skiing, mountain biking, teaching herself how to play the banjo and camping out under the stars.