Name: Quinoa Pizza Casserole: A Healthy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa: A nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that forms the base of the casserole, providing protein and fiber.; 2 cups water or vegetable broth: To cook the quinoa and add extra flavor.; 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.; 1 small onion, finely chopped: A flavorful base for the casserole that adds sweetness and depth.; 1 bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds color and a mild sweetness to the dish.; 1 cup spinach, chopped: A great way to sneak in some greens while adding texture.; 2 cloves garlic, minced: For a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients.; 1 ½ cups marinara sauce: A tangy, rich tomato sauce that adds the pizza-like flavor.; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme to season the dish.; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat to balance out the sweetness of the vegetables and sauce.; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth of flavor to the casserole.; Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the dish to your liking.; Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.; Extra mozzarella cheese: Optional, for a gooey, melty top.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 cup quinoa: A nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain that forms the base of the casserole, providing protein and fiber.
2 cups water or vegetable broth: To cook the quinoa and add extra flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
1 small onion, finely chopped: A flavorful base for the casserole that adds sweetness and depth.
1 bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds color and a mild sweetness to the dish.
1 cup spinach, chopped: A great way to sneak in some greens while adding texture.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
1 ½ cups marinara sauce: A tangy, rich tomato sauce that adds the pizza-like flavor.
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme to season the dish.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat to balance out the sweetness of the vegetables and sauce.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth of flavor to the casserole.
Salt and pepper, to taste: To season the dish to your liking.

For the Topping:

Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.
Extra mozzarella cheese: Optional, for a gooey, melty top.

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Instructions

FIRST STEP: COOK THE QUINOA

Rinse the Quinoa: Before cooking quinoa, rinse it under cold water to remove any bitterness. Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly.
Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of quinoa and 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

SECOND STEP: PREPARE THE VEGETABLES

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add the Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until it wilts. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove the skillet from the heat.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Combine Quinoa and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. Add the dried Italian seasoning and mix again.
Add the Cheese: Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a creamy, cheesy base that helps bind the casserole together.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the quinoa and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE CASSEROLE

Top with Extra Cheese: If desired, sprinkle the top of the casserole with an additional ½ cup of mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden and melted.
Cool: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and a fragrant aroma.
Slice and Serve: Slice the casserole into squares and serve hot. Enjoy the pizza-inspired goodness of this nutritious quinoa casserole!

Prep Time: 10minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 18g