Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced or diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend works great)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
Optional Toppings and Add-ins:
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
- A handful of chopped spinach or kale for extra greens
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Zucchini and Quinoa Casserole
Ready to start cooking? Let’s break down the steps for this tasty and healthy zucchini and quinoa casserole. Follow these easy instructions, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in. While the oven heats up, grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray. This will help your casserole come out easily and prevent it from sticking.
2. Cook the Quinoa
Now, let’s get the quinoa going. If you haven’t cooked quinoa before, it’s super easy! For this recipe, we’ll use 1 cup of quinoa. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness, and then cook it according to package instructions. Usually, you’ll add the quinoa to a saucepan with 2 cups of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooking, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook them for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften. You want it to retain a little texture, not mushy. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let the veggies cook for a few more minutes.
4. Combine Everything in the Baking Dish
Once your quinoa is cooked and your veggies are sautéed, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Add the quinoa to the baking dish, then toss in the sautéed zucchini and onions. Pour in the milk and stir everything together until it’s well combined. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese into the mixture and stir again, so the cheese melts into the quinoa and zucchini. This will make the casserole extra creamy!
5. Add the Toppings
Now, for the fun part—topping the casserole! Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Then, add a layer of breadcrumbs. This will give the casserole a nice crunchy texture once baked. If you like a little extra flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese over the breadcrumbs for a cheesy, golden crust.
6. Bake and Enjoy!
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. You can even broil it for a minute or two to get that crispy, golden finish. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if you like!
Conclusion
Zucchini and quinoa casserole is a nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, zucchini, and fresh herbs, this casserole is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Plus, with its versatility, you can easily make it your own with different seasonings or extra ingredients. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a tasty, healthy meal!
