If you’re looking for a delicious way to sneak some greens into your meal, my broccoli quinoa casserole recipe is just the ticket! Not only is it packed with nutritious ingredients, but it’s also bursting with flavor that even the pickiest eaters won’t resist. Quinoa serves as a fantastic base, providing a hearty texture while being gluten-free and high in protein. And let’s not forget about the vibrant broccoli florets that add both color and crunch! This casserole is a wonderful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and trust me, you’ll feel great serving it to your family. Let’s dive into this healthy and satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering broccoli quinoa casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using cheddar, but feel free to experiment!)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother! Trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Prepare the Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Let’s get cooking! This broccoli quinoa casserole is super easy to whip up, and I promise you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delightful dish:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect bubbly cheese on top!
- Next, rinse your quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. Just give it a good rinse in a fine mesh strainer.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should soak up all that tasty broth.
- While the quinoa is cooking, grab a skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the 1/2 cup of diced onions and sauté them until they’re tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Now, add your broccoli florets, along with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture for an additional 5 minutes, just until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
- Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and then combine it with the broccoli mixture in a large bowl. Don’t forget to stir in half of your shredded cheese at this point—yum!
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining cheese for that cheesy goodness we all crave.
- Finally, bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—you don’t want the cheese to brown too much!
And there you have it! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. You’re going to love every cheesy, nutritious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Health-Packed: With quinoa and broccoli, you’re getting a nutritious meal that’s high in protein and fiber.
- Flavorful: The combination of cheese, garlic, and sautéed onions creates a comforting, savory dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap the cheese to customize it to your taste!
- One-Dish Wonder: It’s a complete meal in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
Tips for Success
To make your broccoli quinoa casserole truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always rinse your quinoa before cooking; this step is key to removing any bitterness and ensuring a light, fluffy texture. If you’re out of vegetable broth, don’t worry! Water works just fine, or you can use chicken broth for added flavor if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
For a little extra kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped bell peppers along with the onions. And if you want to sneak in even more veggies, chopped spinach or kale can work wonders! Just remember to sauté any hearty greens first to soften them up.
Finally, if you love a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of my delicious broccoli quinoa casserole. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 8g
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a healthy and satisfying option for any meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your broccoli quinoa casserole, you might have some delicious leftovers! To store it, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you want a crispy top, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end—just watch it closely! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my broccoli quinoa casserole recipe? I’ve got answers for you! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use different veggies? Absolutely! This casserole is super versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini. Just remember to sauté any hearty veggies first to ensure they’re cooked through.
What if I don’t have quinoa? No problem! You can substitute quinoa with brown rice or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose—rice may take longer, while couscous cooks faster!
How do I know when it’s done? The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually around 20 minutes in the oven. If you like a crispy top, try broiling it for a couple of minutes, but keep a close eye on it!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
What do I serve with it? This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread for dipping!
If you’re ready to dive into this delicious broccoli quinoa casserole recipe, I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s such a hearty and healthy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—feel free to leave a comment below! And don’t forget to share your creations on social media; I’d be thrilled to see your version of this delightful dish! Happy cooking!
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Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and delicious broccoli quinoa casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until tender.
- Add broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, broccoli mixture, and half of the cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: broccoli quinoa casserole recipe