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Cheesy Veggie Quinoa Casserole

A warm, bubbling casserole filled with nutritious veggies and creamy cheese, perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed Rinse before using for better texture.
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water Use broth for more flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced Any color is fine.
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cups shredded cheese Like cheddar or mozzarella.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional for extra crunch.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth (or water). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
  3. In a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Then add the bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until softened, around 5-7 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed veggies, spices (oregano, paprika), and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Baking
  1. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by breadcrumbs if desired for extra crunch.
  2. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  3. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and then dig in!

Notes

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference. Make sure to cook the quinoa thoroughly to avoid a less pleasant texture. Avoid crowding your skillet when sautéing veggies.