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Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake

A delicious and easy-to-prepare casserole packed with vibrant Tex-Mex flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Layer
  • 4 medium zucchini, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Filling Layer
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1½ cups thick chunky salsa
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for topping)
Cheese Layer
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Miscellaneous
  • Oil or nonstick spray for baking dish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil an 8×12 inch baking dish and warm it in the oven for 3 minutes.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and red bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir in half of the cilantro.
  4. Pat zucchini slices dry. Sprinkle them lightly with a pinch of salt and blot again to remove excess moisture.
Layering and Baking
  1. Spread a thin layer of the bean mixture in the warm baking dish. Shingle a layer of zucchini. Spoon more bean mixture over, then add a light handful of cheeses. Repeat layers, ending with cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips if using.
  2. Bake for 22–26 minutes until bubbling at the edges and zucchini is tender when pierced.
Serving
  1. Rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cilantro over the top, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the bean mixture. You can also add other veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. If you want a crispy top, broil for the last few minutes of baking.