Description
This Pizza Quinoa Casserole blends all your favorite pizza flavors into a hearty, cheesy, and wholesome bake. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, bubbling marinara, and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy comfort food with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
- Quinoa: 1 cup dry, cooked in 2 cups vegetable broth. The hearty, protein-rich base.
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups. Brings bold, tomato flavor to the whole dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded. Melts beautifully and adds classic pizza gooeyness.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated. Adds sharp, salty depth.
- Bell Pepper: 1, diced. For sweetness and crunch.
- Red Onion: 1 small, chopped. Adds a mild bite and texture.
- Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced. Brings an earthy richness.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. For classic pizza herb flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds savory depth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Enhances every layer.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Used to sauté the vegetables.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional, for garnish. Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, marinara, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread quinoa mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Top with sautéed vegetables, remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if using.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into portions and serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- Use broth instead of water to cook quinoa for deeper flavor.
- Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra bubbly, golden cheese.
- Let rest before slicing to help the casserole set.
- Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.