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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the hearty and nutritious offering of a Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake. This delicious recipe combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the vibrant flavors of spinach and the savory richness of sausage, creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're preparing a family dinner, looking for a meal prep option, or hosting a gathering with friends, this quinoa bake is sure to impress with its balanced flavors and appealing texture.

Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake! This hearty one-dish meal brings together the wholesome goodness of quinoa, nutrient-rich spinach, and savory sausage, all topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it's a nutritious and delicious option that’s easy to make. Explore the varied ingredients, cooking tips, and serving suggestions to customize this bake to your taste and enjoy every satisfying bite!

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb Italian sausage (bulk or casings removed)

4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside.

      Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Brown the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

          Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

            Combine Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sausage and spinach mixture. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Mix everything together until well incorporated.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil. Pour the quinoa mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

                Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the quinoa mixture.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent excessive browning) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                    Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings