Our Quinoa Broccoli and Cheese Casserole is a vegetarian fan favourite! It’s made with easy components and has 35g of protein per serving (no meat concerned!). Serve up this quinoa casserole recipe once you’re on the lookout for one thing simple and wholesome to make for dinner — it’s one among our go-tos!
“This can be a favourite in my home! Really easy and the children eat all of it up.” – Tessa
At this time, we current to you a more healthy spin on the basic broccoli and cheese casserole, however totally outfitted with quinoa and a hemp hearts bread crumb topping for added protein! In my view, 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.
Should you’re considering the addition of quinoa goes to make this broccoli casserole take ceaselessly to prep, you’re flawed! You really 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 nearly 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 a little bit vegan protein!
- Animal Protein Increase: If you wish to add much more protein contained in the casserole, toss in some Instantaneous Pot shredded hen!
- Extra Veggies: Be at liberty to toss in further 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 just a few alternate options you’ll be able to strive. Brown rice or chopped cauliflower rice would each work properly as a base for the casserole. Simply remember to 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 enable the quinoa to soak up a little bit extra liquid.
This casserole will final within the fridge for round 4 days aka excellent for meal prep for the week. When I’ve sufficient leftover, I simply retailer it coated within the casserole dish itself.
You positive can! This casserole is a good choice for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. Merely assemble the casserole in accordance with the recipe directions, then cowl it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for as much as 24 hours. Once 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 ordinary.
You may as well bake the casserole a day earlier than and reheat utilizing the oven reheating technique beneath.
Listed below 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. You might 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 Options
You may completely eat this casserole by itself, however including a little bit further 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 scorching.
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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 components 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 all the components for the topping to a bowl and blend till a crumble types.
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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 shade of quinoa will work for this recipe.
- We used 2% dairy milk, however you need to use any unflavored milk.
- Should you make any adjustments to this recipe, it can prove in another way.
Energy: 685 kcal, Carbohydrates: 65 g, Protein: 35 g, Fats: 33 g, Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 8 g
Vitamin data is routinely calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
Pictures: photographs taken on this submit are by Erin from The Picket Skillet.
