Are you ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious? This Loaded Spinach Quinoa Casserole is about to become your new obsession! Packed with protein-rich quinoa, vibrant spinach, and three types of melty, irresistible cheeses, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a quick, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in less than an hour!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. Drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
- While the quinoa is cooking, wash and finely chop the fresh spinach. Set aside.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the quinoa mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and make cutting easier.
- Serve hot as a main dish or side, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa Thoroughly: Always rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- Don't Overcook the Quinoa: Cook quinoa just until tender to maintain a fluffy texture. Overcooked quinoa can become mushy.
- Cheese Distribution Matters: Mix half the cheese into the casserole and save the other half for topping to get that perfect golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- Customize Your Casserole: Feel free to add protein like cooked chicken or swap spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, then baked when you're ready to eat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
