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Veggie-Packed Quinoa Casserole

Veggie-Packed Quinoa Casserole: Comfort Food for Any Night

Veggie-Packed Quinoa Casserole is a nutritious, gluten-free, vegetarian meal packed with vibrant vegetables and flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 1 cup Quinoa Can be swapped for brown rice or farro.
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth Using broth instead of water infuses flavor.
For the Veggies
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Can use any cooking oil.
  • 1 medium Onion Diced.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper Chopped.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Chopped.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup Mushrooms Chopped.
  • 2 cups Spinach Fresh, chopped.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Homemade sauce works well.
  • 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Can substitute with dairy-free yogurt.
For Topping
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Can use dairy-free cheese.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Omit for a dairy-free version.
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes Optional.
For Garnish
  • to taste Fresh Parsley or Basil Optional, but recommended.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a rolling boil. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, then add it to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. To the skillet, add the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften and release their juices.
  4. Toss in the fresh baby spinach along with the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Stir until well combined and creamy.
  6. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and prepared sauce. Gently fold until evenly coated, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 14gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This casserole also freezes well for up to three months.

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