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Easy Cheesy Quinoa Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

This easy, cheesy quinoa casserole is a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy home cooks. Featuring cooked quinoa combined with tomato sauce and melted vegan mozzarella cheese, it bakes into a creamy, flavorful casserole topped with fresh diced tomatoes and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting casserole makes a great lunch, dinner, or side dish.

Ingredients

Quinoa Mixture

  • 3 cups cooked quinoa (555g)
  • 1 cup tomato or pasta sauce (240ml)
  • 1/3 cup non-dairy milk (80ml)
  • 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded (28g)
  • 1 medium Roma tomato, diced (65g)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded (57g)
  • 1 medium Roma tomato, diced (65g)
  • Shredded basil, parsley, or another herb, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20cm) baking dish and set it aside to use later.
  2. Heat Milk and Melt Cheese: Place a pan over medium-high heat. Add non-dairy milk and 1/4 cup (28g) of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, about 1 to 2 minutes, creating a creamy base.
  3. Combine Quinoa Mixture: Add the cooked quinoa, tomato or pasta sauce, and half of the diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and creamy, ensuring the mixture is heated through evenly.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the quinoa mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
  5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded vegan mozzarella cheese and the rest of the diced tomatoes evenly over the top of the quinoa mixture.
  6. Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 1 minute, watching carefully until the cheese is bubbly and just beginning to brown.
  7. Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Top with shredded basil, parsley, or your choice of fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use properly cooked quinoa to avoid a mushy casserole; quinoa should be fluffy and separated.
  • Stir the quinoa filling frequently over medium-high heat to prevent the cheese from burning as it melts.
  • Keep a close eye during the broiling step as the cheese can brown quickly; use the oven light to monitor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave until heated through.