Vegetarian

Simple Weeknight Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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Spoon scooping Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake with potato chips on top. It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.

I love casseroles.  And one of my favorite combos is broccoli and cheese.  Usually, it’s made with rice, but today I have a healthier version that’s made with Quinoa!  Get ready for a comfy and cozy Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake that’s a simple side or main dish any weeknight!

This recipe comes together easily and gives the most amazing flavor.  The quinoa is hearty, creamy, and flavorful, but also super healthy, loaded with fiber and protein! The broccoli brings color, vitamins, and texture. The cheese, well, it’s creamy and delicious! You can make this casserole entirely ahead and reheat any busy night! It’s a balanced meal on it’s own, but you can add chicken, meatballs, or any other easy meat that your family loves.

Quinoa!  

Quinoa is a great side on it’s own or ingredient to bulk up other foods, such as stuffings.  It can replace pasta or rice in most recipes and adds more protein and fiber.

It’s actually a seed, not a grain, but the texture is similar to a grain or even a couscous, but a little more fluffy.  It has a mild, slightly nutty taste, but it’s mild, so it really absorbs any flavors you mix with it. 

But the really magic of quinoa is in the health benefits!  1 cup of cooked quinoa has 8g of complete protein and 5g of fiber.  It also has Iron, Manganese, Lysine, and magnesium!  

Combining quinoa with veggies gives you a complete balanced meal with vitamins, fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

Try these other easy and delicious Quinoa Recipes!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

For this recipe, you need a medium pot with fitted lid for the quinoa, a medium pot for the sauce, and a large (5-6 quart) casserole dish.

Oh, and mincing garlic is made super easy with a Garlic Press.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR YOUR BROCCOLI CHEESE QUINOA BAKE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details)

This recipe starts with pre-cooking your quinoa.  I do this because it makes the baking part foolproof!  You will never have to worry if the quinoa is cooked fully in the oven because it was pretty much there when you added it.  One of the benefits of quinoa is that it can absorb a lot and maintains it’s integrity. 

Cooked quinoa in pot.

While the quinoa cooks, you can prep the rest of the ingredients…cut off the broccoli florets (if not already done) and mince the garlic.

Ok, and here comes the somewhat strange ingredients.  By the way, this is totally optional, but adds really fun delicious flavor.  

POTATO CHIPS!!  

My Mom used to put crushed potato chips on top of casseroles and I just felt the urge to add it to this one.  So, just toss some chips in a baggie and crush away to get them to small pieces.  Or, leave them out if you want.  They are not needed, so it’s your choice.

COOK YOUR BROCCOLI CHEESE QUINOA BAKE 

Cooking for this recipe starts on the stove and then moves to the oven.  

On the stove, in a medium to large pot, add the vegetable broth and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer on Medium-High heat. While it is heating, make your slurry by mixing the cornstarch into cold milk.  When the broth is simmering, whisk in the milk slurry.  Continue to whisk as it starts to thicken so no clumps form on the bottom.

Garlic and Broth in pot for Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.  Cornstarch and Milk slurry in measuring cup for Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.

Pouring milk slurry into pot for Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.

Once thickened, whisk in the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Then turn off the heat. 

To a casserole dish, Add the broccoli florets, cooked quinoa, cheese sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to completely combine. Place in the preheated oven on center rack and bake for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, add the crushed potato chips to the top of the casserole and place back in the oven for the final 5 minutes. The remove and let rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake in a bowl with potato chips on top. It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.

Spoon scooping Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake with potato chips on top. It's a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish.
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Simple Weeknight Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake

This Broccoli Cheese Quinoa Bake is a comfy cozy casserole that's perfect to make ahead for a simple weeknight side or main dish. The quinoa is hearty, creamy, and flavorful, but also super healthy, loaded with fiber and protein! The broccoli brings color, vitamins, and texture. The cheese, well, it's creamy and delicious! You can make this casserole entirely ahead and reheat any busy night! It's a balanced meal on it's own, but you can add chicken, meatballs, or any other easy meat that your family loves. #casseroles #broccolirecipes #vegetarian #meatlessmeals #broccolicheesebake

Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, quinoa
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Quinoa, uncooked
  • 4 cups Broccoli florets
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 4 Tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp Oregano, dried
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Optional Topping: Crushed potato chips

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. Pre-Cook Quinoa. Start by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly in a strainer, then adding it to 4 cups water in a medium pot with a fitted lid. Bring the water to a simmer, then turn it down to the lowest setting and cover tightly. Cook on lowest heat covered for 15 minutes. While the quinoa cooks, continue to prep.

  2. Cut off the broccoli florets if not already done for you. Mince the garlic. Place potato chips in a baggie and lightly crush to break them up into small pieces.

Cook

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees.

  2. To a Medium-Large pot, add the vegetable broth and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer on Medium-High heat. While it is heating, make your slurry by mixing the cornstarch into cold milk.

  3. When the broth is simmering, whisk in the milk slurry. Continue to whisk as it starts to thicken so no clumps form on the bottom.

  4. Once thickened, whisk in the shredded cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Then turn off the heat.

  5. To a 10" x 10" or similar size casserole dish, Add the broccoli florets, cooked quinoa, cheese sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to completely combine. Place in the preheated oven on center rack and bake for 15 minutes.

  6. After 15 minutes, add the crushed potato chips to the top of the casserole and place back in the oven for the final 5 minutes. The remove and let rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa

~ Carrie Tyler ~ 1 Comment
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Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa in a bowl on table. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

What we have here, is a thing of beauty.  It’s potato salad!  But not just any potato salad, it’s my new Baby Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa!  It’s creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it’s UNBELIEVABLE!   You get crunch from the celery, sweetness from the bell pepper, an onion bite from the scallions, and creamy texture from the edamame.  All mixed with soft potatoes and a creamy, smoky Harissa Mayonnaise.  YUM! 

EDAMAME BRINGS PROTEIN TO THE PARTY!

I have a true love affair with potato salad.  I’m talkin’, I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  As the entire meal.  Seriously.  So, this recipe is really just an attempt to make myself feel better by adding protein and veggies.  Edamame and bell pepper really round this recipe out.

Edamame, or soybeans, are packed with complete protein (18g per cup), but also fiber, antioxidants and vitamin K!  Unlike other beans, like black beans or chickpeas, edamame is very low in carbs.  Check out all of the health benefits. 

You can find shelled edamame beans in the frozen section or in the vegetable section of your grocery store.  If you have leftover edamame, try making this Edamame Bean Dip with Gorgonzola!

Cut raw red potatoes, celery, scallions, and bell pepper for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

PREP FOR YOUR RED POTATO SALAD RECIPE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details)

This is such an easy recipe.  Aside from boiling the potatoes and prepping the veggies, all you need to do is mix and enjoy!

It starts with the potatoes.  I used baby red potatoes for this recipe.  Because they are small, cutting them to bite size means only cutting them in half or in quarters.  The skins are so delicate that you can eat them and don’t have to peel these potatoes.  As you cut the potatoes, toss them into a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown.Cut raw red potatoes for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

Can I use other potatoes?

Yes, you can use yukon gold potatoes, larger red potatoes, or even russet potatoes.  Though if you use russet, you will want to peel and discard the skins as they are thicker and tough.

What other veggies could I use?

You can add carrots, baby spinach, red onion, peas, or jalapeno!  You can also add herbs to this, such as dill or basil, or even mint.  Finally, you could swap the edamame for other beans for a protein punch!  Roasted chickpeas or black beans would be great.

COOK & ASSEMBLE YOUR POTATO SALAD

Add to a large pot of water and heavily salt the water with a tablespoon of kosher salt.  Bring the water up to a boil and cook the potatoes for about… or until fork tender.

Fork in a cooked potato over a pot of boiling potatoes for red potatoes for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

Drain the potatoes and let cool in the fridge.  

Make the Harissa mayo.

Harissa powder and mayo in a bowl for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

Harissa mayo in a bowl for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

I just make the salad in the same pot for less messy dishes.  Add all of the prepped veggies and the Harissa mayo.  Mix until completely combined.

Edamame, orange pepper, celery, and scallions in pot with cooked potatoes for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa in a pot. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa in a bowl on table. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!
Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa in a bowl on table. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!
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Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa

This Baby Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa is creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!    You get crunch from the celery, sweetness from the bell pepper, an onion bite from the scallions, and creamy texture from the edamame.  All mixed with soft potatoes and a creamy, smoky Harissa Mayonnaise. #potatosalad #summerfood #sidedishes #potatoes

Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword cold salad, edamame, potatoes, sides
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Veggies

  • 2 lbs Baby red potatoes or Creamer potatoes (a mix of red and white is fine)
  • 1 Tbsp Salt
  • 2 Celery stalks
  • 3 Scallions
  • 1/2 Red or Orange Bell Pepper

Harissa Mayo

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Harissa or Paprika Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

Instructions

Prep Ahead Steps

  1. Wash the potatoes and cut them into bite size pieces. If they are baby potatoes, you may only need to cut in half or in quarters. The skins are so delicate that you can eat them and don’t have to peel these potatoes. As you cut the potatoes, toss them into a large pot of cold water to prevent them from turning brown.

    Cut raw red potatoes for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

  2. Add a tbsp of kosher salt to the potatoes and water and then transfer them to the stove. Cover and bring them up to a boil. Once boiling, remove the cover so they don't boil over. Cook until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes usually. Then drain the potatoes, add back to the pot and cool them down in the fridge.

    Fork in a cooked potato over a pot of boiling potatoes for red potatoes for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

  3. While the potatoes are cooking, you can prep the veggies. Dice the bell pepper and the celery, and slice the scallions. I like to save some of the scallion greens for garnish.

  4. Blanche your edamame in hot water. If they are frozen, this of course thaws them out. But even if they are not, a quick boil helps the outer skin to fall off before you add them to the salad.

  5. Make the harissa mayo by simply mixing the Mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper, and harissa seasoning in a bowl.

    Harissa mayo in a bowl for Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!

  6. When the potatoes are cooled, add the veggies to them and then pour the mayo over top. Mix to combine and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with the remaining scallion greens and a sprinkle of harissa seasoning. Enjoy!

    Red Potato Salad Recipe with Edamame and Harissa in a pot. It's creamy, crunchy, meaty, tangy, peppery, salty, and oh, it's UNBELIEVABLE!