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Vegetable Quinoa Bake

This vegetable quinoa bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole that transforms leftover roasted vegetables and cooked quinoa into a warm, comforting dish. It features a creamy interior topped with melted, golden cheese and crispy edges, offering a satisfying texture and vibrant flavor. Perfect for a resourceful weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s adaptable with seasonal veggies and simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups water for cooking quinoa
  • 1 cup roasted carrots chopped
  • 1 zucchini zucchini sliced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup cream or milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Saucepan
  • Fork
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil and set aside.
  2. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh sieve to remove any bitterness. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. While the quinoa cooks, chop the roasted carrots into small pieces and slice the zucchini. Roughly chop the spinach to help it wilt evenly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chopped roasted carrots, sliced zucchini, and chopped spinach. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and pour in the cream or milk. Gently fold everything together until the mixture is creamy and the cheese is evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle an extra layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The aroma of melted cheese and roasted vegetables will fill your kitchen.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
  9. Slice into squares, serve warm, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness with crispy edges and a soft, vibrant interior.

Notes

Feel free to swap in other seasonal vegetables or use plant-based cheese and milk for a vegan version. This dish is very forgiving—adjust seasonings to your taste and experiment with different cheeses for variety.