This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and healthy! It’s the perfect blend of cheesy comfort and healthy food!
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
It’s a better broccoli casserole with the substitution of quinoa for rice. This dish has a slightly nutty flavor from the quinoa, creamy, smooth texture from the cheese, and fresh crunch from the broccoli. In addition, all the nutrition that quinoa packs make this a winning combo.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a seed, not a grain. However, quinoa is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, something rare to find in a plant product. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 222 calories and 4 grams of fat; there are 39 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein. It has 15 percent of the daily value for iron and is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E.
Quinoa is also a gluten-free and cholesterol-free whole food. As well as it’s naturally kosher.
What does quinoa taste like?
It has a nutty flavor, but fluffy texture. It easily takes on whatever sauce or flavor you add to it.
Making a Healthy Broccoli Casserole
- Dice broccoli and green onion.
- Add veggies to quinoa.
- Boil broccoli and quinoa for 12 minutes.
- Make a roux for the quinoa casserole sauce by cooking equal parts of fat and flour.
- Add milk and let the sauce come to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Drain quinoa and broccoli and add to cheese mixture.
- Place in a casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes.
Other Recipes Like Quinoa Casserole
- Chile Cheese Rice
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Creamy Parmesan Cauliflower
- Scalloped Mascarpone Cauliflower
- Baked Fried Green Tomatoes
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary based on products used.
I updated this post from an earlier version. I made new photos and simplified the recipe instructions.
Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
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Save To Your Recipe BoxIngredients
- 1 cup quinoa rinse if called for on package
- 1 and ¼ cup water or what's recommended on package
- 1 cup broccoli florets chopped, more if desired
- 2 Tablespoons green onions chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons self-rising flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 and ½ cup peppper jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Rinse quinoa according to package directions (if called for, not all quinoa requires this step). Drain. Heat 1 and 1/4 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan. (Most packages say to use 1 and 1/4 cup water to 1 cup of quinoa. But go by what your package says.) Once boiling add quinoa, green onions, and broccoli and cook 12 minutes (or according to package instructions for the quinoa)
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and stir for 2 minutes. Add milk and bring to a boil while whisking. Once the mixture reaches a low boil, remove from heat and stir in cheeses. Stir until cheese melts.
- Drain quinoa and vegetables from the water and add to the cheese sauce. Stir. Pour into a casserole dish and bake 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
You can also find great recipes at Recipe Index or at Meal Plan Monday or Weekend Potluck
Kate says
It does not tell what temp to bake this. I doubled the broccoli, it was way too much cheese and too little broccoli. It also says to drain the quinoa after cooking with the broccoli, there was nothing to drain, it was not enough liquid, quinoa started to burn. Maybe I did something wrong
Seana Turner says
I’m always looking for more ways to use Quinoa. I’ve printed this out and will give it a go this week. Thanks for sharing:)
Paula says
Don’t you just Quinoa? I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Lita says
Paula, this has all my favorites. It will become a regular on the menu. I featured this as one of my favorite pins this week on Weekly Rays of Sunshine. Take a look.Have a great weekend. Linda
Fluster Buster says
Our family loves a good broccoli rice casserole too! I'm following you via GFC. I host Fluster Creative Muster Party on Wednesdays and I would love it if you would come by and party with us. Hope to see you there!
Hugs, Smiles, and Blessings,
Robin
Fluster Buster
The Life of Poole says
I just found your blog through the Grow Your Blog Hop and as I scrolled down I saw this awesome recipe. Growing up I ate cheesy rice [ aka Rice A Roni's Broccoli Cheddar Rice ] and would literally eat half a box for dinner. Since I'm a vegetarian quinoa is a super food for me so I can't wait to try this! Thanks, Shannon [ lifeofpoole.blogspot.com ]
Nicky Hudelson says
I've never tried Quinoa and this looks like a way my kids might even eat it! Yeah! Something new! I pinned this. Nicky @ http://www.feelingtheemptynest.blogspot.com
Julia Kendrick says
Mmmm! I have been looking for more recipes where I can use Quinoa and this one looks amazing! Thanks for sharing! I pinned it! Julia @ http://www.juliakendrick.com
tumbleweed-contessa says
Paula, this looks great. Love the flavor combos. Thanks for sharing.We're having a party today. What'd You Do This Weekend? I'd love it if you would bring this over. Thanks, Linda
Tess says
I think this will be my next dish to make! yum!
Blond Duck says
I'd love to try the mac and cheese!
Barbara Lee says
Looks yummy Paula. I cook quinoa often since it is such a healthy choice. I will add your recipe to my rotation!