The optional toppings of bell peppers, whole kernel corn, cilantro, and queso fresco cheese adds a special addition to this satisfying dish. It’s also a great topping to use on Mexican-style salads. After making this once, you’ll continually keep a can of black beans in your cupboard for a quick and easy side to any dish.

Pre-chopping ingredients really helps to reduce stress and simplify dinner on busy weeknights. We know, we know, we’re always talking about meal prep, but it truly is key to healthy eating!

• Chop your onion, peppers, and garlic (if you’re using fresh)
• Wash and pick cilantro leaves from the stem

Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that’s easily crumbled and often used to top dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and beans. Its fresh, milky, yet slightly tangy flavor makes it an amazing accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It can provide a light contrast to a heavier dish, like a Chicken Enchilada Casserole or Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Casserole, or complement something equally as light, like grilled veggies.

It’s extremely freezer-friendly, so don’t worry about leftovers going to waste.

• Hidden Veggie Breakfast Quesadillas
• Cheese Omelet (+ 6 Filling Ideas)
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
• Barbacoa Beef (Tacos, Quesadillas, Bowls)
• Chicken Enchilada Casserole (or simply as a bean and cheese burrito wrapped in a flour tortilla with melted jack cheese)
• Cheesy Quesadillas

• In a breakfast burrito
• On a Mexican pizza (pre-made pizza dough topped with a mixture of refried beans, taco sauce, diced tomatoes, grilled
• veggies (leftovers perhaps), cooked ground chicken or pork, and then sprinkled with Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses)
• Layered in a Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Casserole
• Layered in a taco dip (beans, Greek yogurt, salsa, shredded lettuce, and cheese) and served with homemade tortilla chips
• On top of Rice Cake Nachos