Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Printable)
Tender broccoli and fluffy quinoa baked in a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Grains
04 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
→ Dairy & Eggs
05 - 1 1/2 cups milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or plant-based alternative
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
08 - 2 large eggs
→ Pantry
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
10 - 1 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1/2 tsp paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs, optional for topping
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
02 - Prepare the quinoa according to package directions until fluffy and tender. Set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the broccoli florets and sauté until just tender, about 5 minutes for fresh or until heated through for frozen.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream or yogurt, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
05 - Transfer the filling mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Scatter the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top.
06 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The creamy sauce clings to every grain of quinoa so nothing feels dry or boring
- It tastes like a hug from the inside but uses real vegetables instead of just carbs
02 -
- Letting the casserole rest for five minutes after baking is not optional because it sets up the texture
- Overcooked broccoli turns mushy in the oven so pull it from the skillet while it still has a little bite
03 -
- Rinse your quinoa under cold water for a full thirty seconds to remove every trace of bitterness
- Use sharp cheddar instead of mild because the stronger flavor means you can use less cheese overall