Our Quinoa Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is a vegetarian fan favourite! It’s made with easy elements and has 35g of protein per serving (no meat concerned!). Serve up this quinoa casserole recipe whenever you’re in search of one thing simple and wholesome to make for dinner — it’s certainly one of our go-tos!
“It is a favourite in my home! Really easy and the youngsters eat all of it up.” – Tessa
Right now, we current to you a more healthy spin on the traditional broccoli and cheese casserole, however totally outfitted with quinoa and a hemp hearts bread crumb topping for added protein! For my part, this casserole is even higher than the OG broccoli and cheese casserole as a result of it has 35g of protein per serving with out compromising any taste.
In case you’re considering the addition of quinoa goes to make this broccoli casserole take endlessly to prep, you’re unsuitable! You truly bake this casserole with raw quinoa proper within the casserole dish, and issues are prepared in 60 minutes. And also you betcha it’s simply pretty much as good warmed up all through the week as leftovers 😃
- Vegan Model: vegetable inventory, vegan cheddar cheese, non-dairy milk. You may even add tofu or tempeh for slightly vegan protein!
- Animal Protein Enhance: If you wish to add much more protein contained in the casserole, toss in some Immediate Pot shredded hen!
- Extra Veggies: Be at liberty to toss in additional veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or the rest you take pleasure in.
- Grains: Quinoa is a good supply of protein and fiber, however if you happen to don’t have any readily available or aren’t a fan, there are a couple of alternate options you’ll be able to attempt. Brown rice or chopped cauliflower rice would each work effectively as a base for the casserole. Simply be sure you regulate the cooking time based mostly in your chosen substitute.
If the casserole has an excessive amount of liquid in it on the finish of the cooking time, bake for 10-15 extra minutes. You probably have already added the highest layer of cheese, place tin foil excessive so it doesn’t burn. Alternatively, permitting the casserole to sit down for 10 minutes earlier than serving will permit the quinoa to soak up slightly extra liquid.
This casserole will final within the fridge for round 4 days aka good for meal prep for the week. When I’ve sufficient leftover, I simply retailer it coated within the casserole dish itself.
You certain can! This casserole is a good possibility for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. Merely assemble the casserole in line with the recipe directions, then cowl it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours. Whenever you’re able to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about half-hour earlier than baking as normal.
It’s also possible to bake the casserole a day earlier than and reheat utilizing the oven reheating methodology under.
Listed here are a few reheating choices:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Reheat proper within the casserole in a dish, coated (foil or lid), for 20-25 minutes. It’s possible you’ll want so as to add a little bit of broth to the casserole dish earlier than reheating if it’s too dried out.
- Microwave: Reheat single servings, uncovered, on medium energy for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Solutions
You may completely eat this casserole by itself, however including slightly additional to the aspect by no means damage anybody! If you wish to add a lift of animal protein, pair your quinoa broccoli casserole with some juicy baked hen breast, spatchcock hen, or rotisserie hen. Need much more veg? Pair your casserole with an arugula salad or a spring combine salad.
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Preheat oven to 375ºF and spray a casserole dish with olive oil.
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Place quinoa, onion, and broccoli florets on the underside of your casserole dish. Put aside.
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Warmth a saucepan over medium/excessive warmth. Add olive oil and garlic. When the garlic is aromatic, add the milk, broth, and salt right into a medium saucepan. Gently whisk till the liquid is sizzling.
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Take away the pan from the warmth and slowly add 6 oz. of grated cheese and whisk till the cheese dissolves into the combination.
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Pour liquid on prime of the elements in a casserole dish and stir to mix.
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Cowl the casserole dish and place it within the oven at 375ºF for half-hour. Take away and stir.
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Bake for a further 20 minutes, uncovered.
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Whereas baking, add the entire elements for the topping to a bowl and blend till a crumble kinds.
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Unfold the topping excessive of the casserole and broil till the topping turns golden brown.
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Take away from the oven and let it relaxation for five minutes earlier than serving.
- This recipe was up to date in January 2025. Discover the unique recipe HERE.
- Any colour of quinoa will work for this recipe.
- We used 2% dairy milk, however you should use any unflavored milk.
- In case you make any adjustments to this recipe, it’ll end up otherwise.
Energy: 685 kcal, Carbohydrates: 65 g, Protein: 35 g, Fats: 33 g, Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 8 g
Diet data is routinely calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
Pictures: images taken on this submit are by Erin from The Picket Skillet.