Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, take a moment to prepare your baking dish. A 9x13 inch casserole dish works perfectly for this recipe. Lightly grease the dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make for an easier cleanup later.

Discover the comforting flavors of Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake, a nutritious meal that's perfect for the entire family. This dish blends protein-packed quinoa with savory sausage, vibrant spinach, and a cheesy mix for a satisfying alternative to heavy pasta bakes. Ideal for busy nights or meal prep, this recipe is both easy to make and deliciously comforting. Elevate your family dinners with this delightful, wholesome bake that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed

5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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

Sauté Vegetables and Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked quinoa, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until well combined.

Transfer to Bake Dish: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the quinoa mixture.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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

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