Print

Healthy Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 88 reviews

This Healthy Quinoa Casserole is a flavorful and nutritious dish combining lean ground meat, vibrant spices, fresh vegetables, and protein-packed quinoa. Baked to perfection with a melted cheese topping, this casserole makes a satisfying, wholesome meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (80 to 93% lean) or ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups lightly packed baby spinach
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 2 cups tomato sauce or salsa
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

Instructions

  1. Make Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Set this seasoning blend aside for later use.
  2. Cook Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef or ground turkey, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully cooked through, approximately 5 minutes for beef or 6 minutes for turkey. Transfer the cooked meat to a large bowl and drain off any excess fat from the pan.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the coconut or olive oil. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and seeded jalapeno pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and baby spinach into the skillet. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, stirring occasionally, around 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked vegetables into the bowl with the cooked meat. Add cooked quinoa, the prepared taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all flavors and ingredients evenly.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish made of glass, ceramic, or metal. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly on top.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken for a lighter option.
  • For a spicier casserole, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or add extra cayenne pepper.
  • To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure the tomato sauce or salsa used is gluten-free certified.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Use fresh, cooked quinoa rather than pre-packaged to enhance the texture and flavor.

Keywords: Healthy Quinoa Casserole, quinoa recipe, ground beef casserole, baked casserole, family dinner, healthy dinner, easy casserole

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/healthy-quinoa-casserole-recipe/