Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a comforting, cheesy delight that's sure to please your taste buds: Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole. This dish combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the cheesy goodness of cheddar and the wholesome crunch of broccoli, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends.

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole

Broccoli florets add a fresh, green crunch and are filled with vitamins. The quinoa gives the casserole a hearty, protein-rich base. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich and creamy flavor. Milk and cream cheese create a luscious sauce that binds everything together. Onion and garlic provide a savory depth, while olive oil helps sauté them to perfection. A pinch of salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper season the dish with just the right amount of spice. Lastly, the breadcrumbs create a golden, crispy top layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, use frozen broccoli; just thaw and drain it well before adding.
  • Double the recipe and freeze one casserole for a busy weeknight dinner.
  • For an extra crispy top, broil for a couple of minutes at the end.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or a simple pork chop. A glass of crisp white wine complements the cheesy flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese for a lighter option.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it with butter to prevent sticking. Next, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then drain it well.

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it's done when the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Use a fork to fluff it up and set it aside.

While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant. This should take about 5 minutes.

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook for around 5 minutes. You want them to turn a bright green and be slightly tender but not mushy. This maintains some of their crunch in the casserole.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, the broccoli mixture, milk, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein and nutrients, thanks to quinoa and broccoli.
  • An easy one-dish meal that saves you time on cleanup.
  • Deliciously cheesy with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
  • Perfect for meal prep; it reheats wonderfully.

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream cheese
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Butter for greasing

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and drain.
3. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
4. While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
5. Add broccoli florets to the skillet, cook for 5 minutes or until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
6. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, broccoli mixture, milk, cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

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