Comforting Quinoa Casserole

Warm, hearty, and irresistibly nourishing, this Comforting Quinoa Casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach, and the savory richness of melted cheddar and parmesan cheese, this dish is both wholesome and indulgent. A crunchy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to its creamy interior, while optional additions like tender chicken or chickpeas make it a versatile recipe to suit any diet. Seasoned with dried oregano and paprika, each bite bursts with flavor and coziness. Ready in just an hour, this gluten-free-friendly casserole is designed to please a crowd while offering the ultimate in comfort food satisfaction.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cooked chicken or chickpeas (optional for added protein)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. Combine the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 5

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. If adding cooked chicken or chickpeas, stir them in now.

Step 6

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and paprika. Remove from heat.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, vegetable mixture, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs as the topmost layer for a crispy finish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 11

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting quinoa casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1991.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2462.1

Total Fat 119.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 424.0mg	0%
Sodium 6035.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.0g	0%
Total Sugars 23.7g
Protein 173.5g	0%

Vitamin D 11.9IU	0%
Calcium 2028.5mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 3021.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.0%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 29.1%