This hearty Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients that come together to create a comforting, satisfying meal. Packed with protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas, vibrant broccoli, and topped with melty cheese, this one-dish wonder is incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers amazing flavor. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome on the table without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Just combine ingredients, pour over boiling stock, and let the oven do all the work. It’s almost magical how little hands-on time this recipe requires!
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: With protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas plus nutrient-dense broccoli, this casserole delivers serious nutrition in every bite.
  • Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this dish – the familiar flavors and cheesy topping make the healthy ingredients more appealing.
  • Versatile: Works perfectly as a main dish or hearty side, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
broccoli quinoa casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Butter or oil: Creates the flavor foundation for the dish by sautéing the aromatics to perfection.
  • Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that builds complexity throughout the casserole.
  • Garlic: Adds essential punchy flavor that brings the whole dish together – don’t skimp here!
  • Veggie or chicken stock: Infuses the quinoa with flavor as it cooks and creates the perfect moisture level.
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors – adjust to your preference.
  • Fresh or dried parsley: Brightens up the dish with color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
  • Quinoa: The star protein source that creates a satisfying, fluffy texture as it absorbs the flavorful liquid.
  • Chickpeas: Adds wonderful texture, protein, and a slight nutty flavor that complements the quinoa beautifully.
  • Frozen broccoli: Convenient and perfect in this recipe – no need to thaw first, which saves prep time.
  • Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, bubbling topping that takes this casserole from good to amazing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This casserole is incredibly adaptable! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

  • Mediterranean Style: Add diced red bell peppers, kalamata olives, and swap the cheddar for feta cheese.
  • Protein Boost: Mix in some cooked, shredded chicken or turkey for extra protein.
  • Veggie Explosion: Add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach alongside the broccoli.
  • Spice it Up: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.

How to Make Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Liquid

Add stock, parsley, salt, and pepper to the saucepan with the onion and garlic. Bring everything to a boil. This infused liquid will be the flavor foundation that transforms your quinoa.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9-inch baking dish, combine the rinsed quinoa, drained chickpeas, and frozen broccoli. Pour the hot stock mixture over everything and give it a gentle stir. Make sure all the quinoa is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After removing from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes with the foil still on. This resting period allows the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish

Preheat your broiler. Carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and starting to bubble.

Step 6: Final Touch

Garnish with additional parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve while warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip this step! Rinsing removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter.
  • Even Distribution: When adding ingredients to the baking dish, try to spread them evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Foil Seal: Create a tight seal with the foil to trap steam and ensure the quinoa cooks properly.
  • Cheese Selection: Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor impact, but any good melting cheese works well.
  • Check for Doneness: Quinoa should be tender with a slight bite and have absorbed most of the liquid.

How to Serve

This versatile casserole works wonderfully in multiple serving scenarios:

Main Dish

Serve a generous portion with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Side Dish

Pair smaller portions alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite protein for a balanced dinner.

Meal Prep

Divide into individual containers for quick, nutritious lunches throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers particularly delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese topping.

Reheating

Refrigerated leftovers: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15 minutes). Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

Frozen portions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen by covering with foil and baking at 350°F until heated through (approximately 30 minutes).

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets and either steam it briefly before adding to the casserole or add it raw, knowing it will have a bit more texture in the final dish. You might need to add an extra 2-3 tablespoons of liquid to account for the moisture difference.

  2. Is there a substitute for quinoa if I don’t have any on hand?

    Yes! You can use bulgur wheat, millet, or even rice as substitutes, though cooking times may vary. Rice typically needs a bit more liquid and cooking time, while bulgur might cook faster than quinoa. Adjust accordingly and check for doneness before adding the cheese.

  3. My family doesn’t like chickpeas. What can I use instead?

    White beans like cannellini or navy beans make excellent substitutes with a milder flavor profile. You could also use black beans for a different twist, or omit the beans entirely and increase the quinoa by 1/4 cup (adding a bit more liquid as well).

  4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

    Definitely! Use olive oil instead of butter for the base, and either skip the cheese topping entirely or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The casserole is still flavorful and satisfying without cheese thanks to the well-seasoned stock and aromatics.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole might just become your new weeknight hero. It strikes that perfect balance of being genuinely simple to prepare while delivering real nutrition and satisfying flavor. Plus, there’s something undeniably comforting about pulling a bubbling casserole from the oven, especially one that you can feel good about serving to your family. Give it a try next time you’re craving something wholesome but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how something so easy can taste so delicious!

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Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a healthy, nutrient-packed, one-dish meal featuring protein-rich quinoa, hearty chickpeas, and broccoli, all baked together in a flavorful stock and finished with a layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a vegetarian main-course or side-dish, it comes together easily for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base

  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced fine
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 6 ounces frozen broccoli (do not thaw)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Additional parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a saucepan, heat the butter or oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Stock: Add the vegetable or chicken stock, salt, pepper, and parsley to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil to infuse flavors.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: In a 9-inch baking dish, add the rinsed quinoa, chickpeas, and frozen broccoli. Pour the boiling stock mixture evenly over the ingredients, then gently stir to combine. Make sure all visible quinoa is submerged in the liquid.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the quinoa to absorb the liquid and soften.
  6. Rest and Fluff: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the quinoa finish absorbing the stock.
  7. Add the Cheese: Meanwhile, preheat your broiler. Carefully remove the foil (watch for hot steam) and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  8. Broil the Casserole: Place the baking dish under the broiler and broil for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Top the casserole with additional chopped parsley or chives as desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Add other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
  • If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam it before adding to the casserole.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick meal.
  • To boost flavor, use a mix of fresh herbs or add a pinch of red chili flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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