Creamy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole (Printable Version)
A comforting vegetarian casserole with broccoli, quinoa, and creamy cheddar sauce, perfect for family dinners.
# What You 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
02 - Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and 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 if using frozen.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sour cream or yogurt, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese.
05 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top and sprinkle with breadcrumbs if using.
06 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- It comes together with pantry staples you probably already have sitting around
- The creamy sauce somehow makes broccoli the thing everyone fights over
02 -
- Letting the quinoa cool slightly before mixing prevents the eggs from scrambling in the sauce
- Overbaking dries out the casserole so pull it the moment the top turns golden brown
03 -
- Cook your broccoli one minute less than you think you should because it keeps softening in the oven
- Grating your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded makes the sauce noticeably smoother