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Healthy Quinoa Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews

This Healthy Quinoa Casserole is a nutritious and flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring lean ground beef or turkey, fresh vegetables, and a homemade taco seasoning, all combined with protein-packed quinoa and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a wholesome, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 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

Casserole

  • 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. Prepare taco seasoning: In a small bowl, stir together the ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Set aside.
  2. Cook meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up large pieces, until fully cooked through—about 5 minutes for beef or 6 minutes for turkey.
  3. Drain fat: Transfer the cooked meat to a large bowl and drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  4. Sauté vegetables: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the coconut or olive oil. Once melted, add the chopped onion and jalapeno pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is fully wilted, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Combine ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables back into the bowl with the meat. Stir in the cooked quinoa, taco seasoning, tomato sauce or salsa, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until everything is evenly mixed.
  7. Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish (glass, ceramic, or metal). Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken for a lighter option.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
  • For extra vegetables, consider adding diced bell peppers or corn before baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • To make this dish gluten free, ensure the taco seasoning and salsa are gluten free certified.

Keywords: Healthy Quinoa Casserole, Tex-Mex Casserole, Ground Beef Casserole, Ground Turkey Casserole, Healthy Dinner Ideas, Quinoa Recipes, Baked Quinoa Dish

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