Quinoa Italian Style

This Italian-inspired quinoa casserole is a comforting twist on traditional baked pasta dishes. It layers fluffy cooked quinoa with a savory sauce made from lean ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and rich tomato sauce. The dish is enriched with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan for a golden finish. It's a satisfying, protein-packed meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep. Whether you bake it in the oven for a crisp top or microwave it for quick convenience, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a tender texture that the whole family will love. It's versatile enough to be served as a main course or a substantial side dish.

Cooking Method: Baking, Microwave, Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 143.1

Dietary: Low-cal, Low-fat, Vegan

Description

This Italian-inspired quinoa casserole is a comforting twist on traditional baked pasta dishes. It layers fluffy cooked quinoa with a savory sauce made from lean ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and rich tomato sauce. The dish is enriched with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan for a golden finish. It's a satisfying, protein-packed meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep. Whether you bake it in the oven for a crisp top or microwave it for quick convenience, this recipe delivers bold flavors and a tender texture that the whole family will love. It's versatile enough to be served as a main course or a substantial side dish.

Ingredients

Minced Onions
Garlic minced
Ground lean top round
Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes, drained and chopped (or 4 cups fresh chopped tomatoes)
Low Sodium Salt
Dried Oregano
Chopped fresh Basil (or 2 teaspoons dried)
Sugar
Cooked Quinoa
Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
Low-Fat Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
Parmesan Cheese

Directions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
2
In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the ground lean top round to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4
Stir in the tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, salt, oregano, basil, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
5
In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked quinoa in an even layer.
6
Spoon half of the meat sauce over the quinoa. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
7
Repeat the layers with the remaining quinoa, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella, ensuring the top layer is the meat sauce.
8
Sprinkle the top generously with Parmesan cheese.
9
Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden. Alternatively, microwave covered for 10 minutes until heated through.
10
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 143.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.4g12%
Saturated Fat 2.0g10%
Cholesterol 45.4mg16%
Sodium 40.1mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 6.1g3%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
Sugars 2.5g
Protein 12.7g26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/quinoa-italian-style/