Slow Cooker Cheesy Mexican Quinoa Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water or veggie broth
• ½ cup dry quinoa
• 3 cups diced sweet potato, about 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1½ cups prepared salsa, mild, medium or hot
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• ½ small yellow onion, chopped
• ¼ cup sliced green onion + more for topping
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons taco or fajita seasoning
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
• Toppings: Greek yogurt or cashew sour cream, avocado, green onion, cilantro
• Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Instructions: 

1. Add water, quinoa, chopped sweet potato, black beans, salsa, bell pepper, yellow onion, green onion, cilantro and taco seasoning in your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is cooked.
3. Remove the lid and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper, if necessary. Stir in 1 cup of cheese and sprinkle 1 cup on top. Put the lid back on and cook until the cheese melts, about 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with desired toppings and tortilla chips if using.

Notes

• This quinoa dish can get a little mushy if you let it cook for too long. I don’t mind this at all and honestly  think it makes a great dip for tortilla chips this way, but if you want more texture with the sweet potatoes and quinoa, just be sure not to overcook.