Vegetarian Cheesy Comfort Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate cozy dinner with this Vegetarian Cheesy Comfort Casserole, a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, a medley of vibrant vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, and smothered in a blend of melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, this casserole is the perfect balance of hearty and nutritious. The addition of Italian seasoning and a rich tomato base gives it a satisfying depth of flavor, while the golden, bubbly cheese topping makes every bite irresistible. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and baked to perfection, this vegetarian casserole is a crowd-pleaser that's great for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and savor the comforting flavors of this easy-to-make, family-friendly dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

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 medium, chopped yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, chopped red bell pepper
• 1 medium, chopped zucchini
• 8 oz, sliced mushrooms
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water, bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.

Step 5

Remove the quinoa from heat and set aside.

Step 6

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.

Step 7

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.

Step 8

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 9

Add the red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms, sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 10

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until wilted.

Step 11

Add the canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 12

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well.

Step 13

Gently fold in the cooked quinoa until mixed thoroughly.

Step 14

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the quinoa and vegetable mixture evenly.

Step 15

Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top.

Step 16

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 17

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 18

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 19

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious vegetarian cheesy comfort casserole.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2440.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2595.9

Total Fat 151.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.1g
Cholesterol 289.9mg	0%
Sodium 8931.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 174.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.1g	0%
Total Sugars 45.2g
Protein 128.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2816.8mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 3000.5mg	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: 52.9%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 27.1%