Forktionary

Aztec Casserole Recipe

This Aztec Casserole is a hearty, high-protein one-pan wonder, perfect for busy weeknights! Made with tender beans, fluffy grains, and savory spices, this dish is easily customizable – omit the meat for a delicious vegetarian option. Prepare it ahead, freeze for later, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal whenever you need it. A crowd-pleasing recipe that's both healthy and delicious!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 160 mins
Calories 328.7 kcal
Protein 42g
Rating 4.5 (4 Reviews)
Aztec Casserole 92

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Aztec Casserole

  • 1 cup dried black beans (as a substitute for pinto beans)
  • 1 cup dried red beans (as a substitute for pinto beans)
  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas (as a substitute for pinto beans)
  • 4 cups water (for cooking beans)
  • 2 cups sweet brown rice, cooked
  • 2 cups barley, cooked
  • 2 cups quinoa, cooked
  • as needed for cooking grains
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 0.5 red bell pepper, chopped (total of 1 bell pepper with yellow)
  • 0.5 yellow bell pepper, chopped (total of 1 bell pepper with red)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained (recipe specifies canned)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons red chili paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried pinto beans
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 lb ground beef (optional alternative to turkey)

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Aztec Casserole? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Aztec Casserole

  1. **Prepare the Beans (Ahead of Time):** Rinse 1 cup dried pinto beans and place them in a slow cooker with 4 cups of water. Cook on high for 4-6 hours, or until tender.
  2. **Prepare the Grains:** Cook 2 cups of your preferred grain (quinoa, brown rice, etc.) according to package directions in a rice cooker.
  3. **Brown the Meat (Optional):** Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef or turkey and brown, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove the meat and drain excess grease.
  4. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add 1 large onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), and 2 cloves garlic (minced). Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. **Add Flavor:** Stir in 1 (15-ounce) can of corn (drained), 2 tablespoons red chile paste (or to taste), and 1 teaspoon cumin.
  6. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooked beans (drained), cooked grains, and browned meat (if using) to the skillet.
  7. **Season and Simmer:** Season generously with salt (about 1 teaspoon or to taste). Stir well to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
  8. **Bake (Optional):** For a crispier top, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned.
  9. **Serve:** Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole tastes even better the next day!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

7g

Fat

10g

Carbs

14g

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation North American Casseroles Main Dish Beans Poultry Mexican Oven Grains Turkey South American Dietary One Dish Meal Meat Pasta Rice And Grains Equipment Number Of Servings 4 Hours Or Less