Veggie Loaded Quinoa and Cheese Casserole
A golden, bubbly casserole loaded with colorful veggies and fluffy quinoa, all smothered in gooey cheddar cheese.
Total: 60 minPrep: 20 minCook: 40 min8 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.7 (234+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- 3 While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- 4 Add zucchini, bell peppers, and paprika to the skillet. Cook until veggies are tender.
- 5 Stir in frozen corn and cherry tomatoes. Cook until heated through.
- 6 Combine cooked quinoa and veggie mixture in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 8 Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
- 9 Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 10 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- saucepan
- skillet
Variations
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Include diced cooked chicken for a heartier option.
Substitutions
- Use vegetable stock instead of broth for a deeper flavor.
- Substitute spinach for zucchini for a different texture.
Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Steamed broccoli
- Caesar salad
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
40g carbohydrates
Protein:
14g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
6g sugar
Sodium:
500mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before baking.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies!
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa?
Absolutely, just adjust the cooking time as needed.