View source for Dinners/Easy Southwest Black Beans Polenta Casserole

Serves: 6

Active Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 90 minutes

From: https://www.cottercrunch.com/southwest-black-beans-polenta-casserole/

=Ingredients=

3 1/2 cups cooked non-gmo polenta (Sides/Basic_Palenta)[Simple Polenta]

1 tbsp butter or olive oil

6 oz shredded natural cheese 

1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)

1/4  to 1/3 cup chopped onion

1/2 tsp sea salt – divided

1/2 tsp chili powder

2–3 tbsp coconut flour or other gluten-free flour of choice

2 –3 eggs (Use 3if you prefer more egg like casserole. 2 eggs if you want the polenta to be denser) *See notes for EGG FREE VERSION)

10 ounces chili ready diced tomatoes with green chili added. Or you can add 4 ounces canned green chiles to regular diced tomatoes (canned 10 ounces). See notes.

13– 15 oz (around 3 cups) organic cooked black beans, drained and rinsed (canned works if not soaking or making from scratch)

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp black pepper

Fresh Cilantro to garnish – chopped

=Directions=

== Step 1 ==
Preheat oven to 350F. Oil a 9×13 casserole dish and set aside.
In another large pot, cook you polenta according to package instructions.  See notes.

== Step 2 ==
When polenta is almost done cooking, add in butter or oil, and 4 ounces of shredded cheese. Stir until creamy.
Next mix in your, garlic, onion, salt, chili powder, 2 eggs, and coconut flour. Mix thoroughly.

== Step 3 ==
Pour polenta/cheese/egg mix at the bottom of the casserole dish and pack it evenly into the sides. It should make a nice bottom layer for the casserole. If your polenta is too runny or moist, I suggest baking it first at 350F for 15-20 minutes, then removing and add the rest of your layers to bake again.

== Step 4 ==
After the polenta has been set first int the casserole dish, layer your tomatoes/chiles peppers (drained if using canned) on top of your polenta. Spread it out evenly.

== Step 5 ==
Next, drain and rinse your black beans.

== Step 6 ==
Place in a bowl. Add your cumin, garlic, the other 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, cayenne, and onion. Toss all together.

== Step 7 ==
Layer the black beans on top of the tomatoes/green chiles peppers mix
Finally, add your remaining shredded cheese evenly on top of beans. Feel free to add more than 2 oz if desired.

== Step 8 ==
Place casserole dish in oven middle row for 30 to 35 minutes until edges start to brown.

== Step 9 ==
Remove and Cover with foil then bake an additional 5 -10 minutes or until center of casserole in baked through and edges are golden.

== Step 10 ==
Broil last minute if you want crispy edges and cheese. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before slicing.

== Step 11 ==
Add any additional seasoning if desired. Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and garnish with cilantro (1/2 cup or more).

== Step 12 ==
Optional topping when platting –  avocado slices, sour cream,  jalapeño (if desired).