Veggie-Packed Quinoa Casserole Recipe
This Veggie-Packed Quinoa Casserole is a wholesome and flavorful baked dish combining protein-rich quinoa with a colorful mix of sautéed vegetables, creamy tomato sauce blended with Greek yogurt, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a nutritious vegetarian meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Broth
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
Dairy and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and chopped spinach. Cook until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant.
- Combine Sauces and Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend the tomato sauce with the Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the cooked quinoa and sautéed vegetables to this mixture and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish lightly. Transfer the quinoa and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, or rice if preferred.
- For a vegan version, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and mozzarella with vegan cheese.
- Add your favorite herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Keywords: quinoa casserole, vegetarian casserole, baked quinoa, vegetable casserole, healthy dinner, easy vegetarian recipe
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/veggie-packed-quinoa-casserole-recipe/
