Go Back
If you’re searching for a dish that combines comfort, nutrition, and flavor, look no further than the Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake. This hearty casserole is a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week ahead. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake

Discover the perfect comfort food with this Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Quinoa Bake! This hearty casserole is packed with nutritious quinoa, savory sausage, and vibrant spinach, creating a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, it's both satisfying and good for you. Enjoy the cheesy topping and the wholesome ingredients that make this bake a favorite in any kitchen. Try it today for a delightful culinary experience!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained

2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound Italian sausage, bulk or casing removed for easier mixing

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a touch of depth

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

    Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Once done, remove from heat and set it aside.

      Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes fragrant.

        Brown the Sausage: Introduce the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink in the center, approximately 7-10 minutes. If there's excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

          Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Mix in the chopped spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook this mixture until the spinach has wilted down, about 2-3 minutes.

            Combine Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffy quinoa with the cooked sausage and spinach mixture. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until well incorporated and evenly mixed.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil. Transfer the quinoa mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.

                Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the quinoa mixture, adding an enticing layer of cheesy goodness.

                  Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

                    Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if using, adding a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

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