Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole! Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, this dish is easy to make and perfect for any dinner table. Enjoy a deliciously cheesy topping with a crunchy finish that the whole family will love. Ready to make mealtime special? Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty casserole to your kitchen!
1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, if preferred)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option)
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of depth
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch, if desired)
2 tablespoons olive oil
![- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended) - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen) For this casserole, quinoa is the base. Rinsing it helps remove its natural coating. This coating can make the quinoa taste bitter. Using vegetable broth adds a great flavor. You can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) - 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) Cheddar cheese melts well and adds creaminess. If you want it to be dairy-free, there are many good cheese options. Sour cream adds tanginess. Greek yogurt can be a lighter choice. - Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch), 2 tablespoons olive oil Seasonings bring this dish to life. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice warmth. For crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Mixing them with olive oil helps them brown nicely. For the full recipe details, check the [Full Recipe]. Start by rinsing one cup of quinoa. This step removes any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with two cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This helps the quinoa absorb the broth. After 15 minutes, remove it from heat. Let it sit for five minutes, then fluff it with a fork. While quinoa cooks, prepare your broccoli. Take two cups of fresh broccoli florets. You can also use frozen broccoli if you prefer. Steam the florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Cover the bowl and steam for about three to four minutes. You want the broccoli to stay vibrant green and slightly crisp. After steaming, drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa, steamed broccoli, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Add half a cup of sour cream and season the mix with half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until it’s evenly blended. Then, transfer this hearty mix into a greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle half a cup of breadcrumbs over the mixture. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know it's ready when the cheese melts and bubbles. The breadcrumbs should turn a golden brown as well. Once baked, let the casserole cool for about five minutes before serving. This wait time allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. For the full recipe, check the details above! - Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Fresh broccoli adds crunch and bright color. - Allow the casserole to sit before serving for flavors to meld. This time helps the taste deepen and blend nicely. - Making it vegetarian or gluten-free. This casserole is already vegetarian. Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free. - Recommendations for vegan substitutes. Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream for a vegan version. - Garnish options to enhance visual appeal. Top with a sprinkle of extra cheese or a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives. - Pairing suggestions for a complete meal. Serve with a crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole recipe above. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the protein in your casserole. Adding cooked chicken is a great choice. It pairs well with the flavors in the dish. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the quinoa and broccoli. If you want a plant-based option, try using beans. Black beans or chickpeas work wonderfully. They add protein and fiber. Just drain and rinse them before mixing in. For a vegetarian option, tofu is a great addition. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Then, cut it into cubes and sauté it until golden. Mix the cooked tofu into the casserole for added texture and protein. Adding spinach is a smart way to boost nutrients. It cooks down nicely and adds color. Just toss in fresh or frozen spinach when you mix the other ingredients. You can also get creative with other veggies. Try bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Mix them into the casserole for varied flavors and textures. Cheese lovers can have fun with this dish. You can swap the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese gives a different taste. Spices are also key to enhancing flavor. Try adding cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also mix in Italian seasoning for a herby twist. If you like a kick, drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. This adds a zesty punch to each bite. The flavors come together beautifully in this dish. For the full recipe, follow along and enjoy! To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. It’s best to refrigerate them soon after serving. This dish lasts up to four days in the fridge. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy the leftover casserole, reheating is key. The oven is my favorite method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the top from burning. Heat it for about 20 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating, but it’s less crispy. If you choose the microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To make meals easier, you can prep this casserole ahead of time. Follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. You can bake it later when you’re ready to serve. For storage, use glass or plastic containers that seal well. Divide into portions to grab and go. This makes it simple to have a healthy meal ready in no time. For the best taste, eat your portions within a few days. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Cook the quinoa and steam the broccoli. Mix them with the other ingredients. Then, place the mixture in your greased dish. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and top with breadcrumbs, then bake as usual. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it until it is bright green and tender. It may take a bit longer than fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli can save time, and it tastes great in this dish. If you need a substitute for quinoa, you can use rice or couscous. Brown rice adds a nice texture. If you want something lighter, go for cauliflower rice. Each option will change the flavor a little but will still taste good. To add heat, consider using jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the mix. For a smoky kick, try using chipotle powder. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Yes, you can freeze it! After baking, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. When you want to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for best results. This casserole serves about 4 to 6 people. Each serving is a hearty portion. It's a filling dish packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a family meal. You can also check nutritional information if you need to watch your intake. For the full recipe, refer to the beginning of the article. This blog post covers making a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole. We discussed all you need, from main ingredients to step-by-step instructions. You learned about cheese options, seasoning tips, and variations like protein additions. Don't forget about storage tips for leftovers and meal prep ideas. As you try this recipe, feel free to customize it. Your kitchen adventures will yield a dish that’s wholesome, delicious, and easy to share. Enjoy your cooking, and let the flavors shine!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/76293057-2614-4388-b8bb-2daa6ea7ef86-250x250.webp)