Description
Introducing the ultimate comfort food that’s also surprisingly nutritious – the Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole! This delightful dish combines the superfood powers of quinoa with a medley of fresh vegetables, all blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of colors recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (whole, 2%, skim, or heavy cream)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Start by rinsing the quinoa well under running water. In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Set the cooked quinoa aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until slightly softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Sprinkle the flour (or cornstarch) over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk or cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, broccoli, shredded cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra shredded cheese, if desired.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant finish. Enjoy your Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole hot and fresh from the oven!
Notes
To ensure your Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
Cheese Selection: Opt for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and texture. You can also experiment with other cheese varieties, such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
Fresh vs. Frozen Veggies: While frozen vegetables can be a convenient option, using fresh produce will result in a more vibrant and flavorful casserole.
Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 350
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 600
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 25