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In the realm of comfort food, casseroles hold a special place in many hearts. They bring together an array of flavors and textures, all baked into one warm, inviting dish. One standout among these hearty meals is the Cheesy Green Delight: Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole. This delightful recipe marries the nutty flavor of quinoa with the vibrant green goodness of broccoli, all enriched with creamy cheddar and cottage cheese. It's not just a treat for the taste buds; it's a nourishing meal that the whole family can enjoy, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole

Discover the Cheesy Green Delight: Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole, a heartwarming dish that perfectly blends comfort and nutrition. This easy-to-make casserole features protein-packed quinoa, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheeses, creating a flavorful meal your family will adore. It's a great way to enjoy wholesome ingredients while satisfying those cheesy cravings. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite on your table.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

2 cups vegetable broth or water

2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 cup frozen broccoli, thawed and drained)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus an additional 1/2 cup for topping)

1 cup cottage cheese

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup milk (or your choice of non-dairy milk)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa along with the vegetable broth (or water). Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa, then set it aside.

      Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green but remain crisp. For frozen broccoli, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and excess moisture is drained.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa, the prepared broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, beaten eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.

          Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the surface. For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle the additional shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

            Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. It is ready when the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned a golden brown.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve warm and relish the delightful cheesy flavors blended with nutritious greens!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 6.