Skinny Mexican Casserole
Delicious! Replaced enchilada sauce with simmered down tomatoes, added 3x cumin and some garlic/salt powder. After baking the casserole dishes (two pie tins), I broiled it for a few minutes.
Delicious! Replaced enchilada sauce with simmered down tomatoes, added 3x cumin and some garlic/salt powder. After baking the casserole dishes (two pie tins), I broiled it for a few minutes.
- kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup corn kernels frozen canned or roasted
- 4 1/2 ounces old el paso chopped green chiles drained
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves chopped fresh
- 4 whole wheat tortillas chopped
- 16 ounces fat-free refried beans old el pasoâ„¢, warmed
- 10 ounces enchilada sauce old el pasoâ„¢ mild
- 1 1/2 cups mexican blend cheese reduced fat shredded
- Carbohydrate 1.83662078125 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.484794375180918 g
- Fiber 0.331160944104195 g
- Protein 0.26595328125 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0712675312749811 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (177g)
- Sodium 21.4314000000036 mg
- Sugar 1.50545983714581 g
- Trans Fat 0.0239589375048993 g
- Calories 12 calories
Step-by-step
- Ingredients: kosher salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 onion diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed, 1 green bell pepper diced, 1 cup corn kernels frozen canned or roasted, 4 1/2 ounces old el paso chopped green chiles drained, 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves chopped fresh, 4 whole wheat tortillas chopped, 16 ounces fat-free refried beans old el paso warmed, 10 ounces enchilada sauce old el paso mild, 1 1/2 cups mexican blend cheese reduced fat shredded
Skinny Mexican Casserole: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Skinny Mexican Casserole is my go-to recipe when I need a quick, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy dinner that the whole family will devour. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to mean sacrificing taste, and it's incredibly versatile – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Forget those heavy, calorie-laden casseroles of the past! This recipe is lighter, brighter, and bursting with fresh flavors. I started by tweaking a classic recipe, replacing the traditional enchilada sauce with a homemade tomato base. Simmering down the tomatoes brought out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a rich and complex sauce without all the extra sodium and preservatives. Then, I boosted the cumin – a key spice in Mexican cuisine – for an even more robust flavor profile. A touch of garlic powder and salt further enhances the savory notes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; the ingredients are readily available, and the preparation is straightforward, even on a busy weeknight.
One of the things I love most about this casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables; roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even mushrooms would add a delightful twist. You can also adjust the spice level to your preference – add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or leave it out altogether for a milder dish. The best part? It’s incredibly satisfying and leaves you feeling energized, not sluggish, after dinner. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day – perfect for busy lunches at the office or a quick and easy meal for the kids’ school lunches.
This Skinny Mexican Casserole is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques. It's a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that's both delicious and nutritious, leaving you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle whatever the day (or week) throws your way. So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, give this recipe a try. I'm confident it will quickly become a family favorite, and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh ingredients whenever possible will elevate the flavor of this dish.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to your liking.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to customize the casserole.
- Leftovers are a Treat: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
Enjoy!
