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Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

This creamy broccoli quinoa casserole is a healthier version of the beloved classic made with real, simple ingredients like Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 447 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth or low sodium chicken broth divided
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided, plus additional as needed
  • 1 pound chopped broccoli florets about 4 broccoli crowns (a little over or under is fine)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 3 medium carrots cut into 1/4 to 1/3-inch dice
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic  about 2 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour to make gluten free, use a gluten free all purpose flour blend
  • 1 cup non-fat milk
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • ¾ cup freshly grated mozzarella fontina, or provolone cheese — divided
  • ¾ cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, dill, or thyme — for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat 2 large rimmed baking sheets with nonstick spray. Coat a 9x13-inch or similar casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside. (The dish you see in these photos is 8 x 10 and is very full.)
  2. Place 2 cups broth and the quinoa in a large saucepan, then bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. While the quinoa cooks, roast the broccoli: place the broccoli in a very large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat the florets. If any seem dry, drizzle in a bit more oil as needed. Divide the broccoli between the two baking sheets, spreading it into an even layer and ensuring that the broccoli does not overlap.
  4. Roast the broccoli on the upper and lower thirds of the oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and use a spatula to lightly toss the broccoli and spread it back into an even layer to promote even browning. Return the pans to the oven, switching their positions on the upper and lower racks. Continue baking until the broccoli is browned and the tips are becoming crisp, about 5 to 10 additional minutes. Turn the oven down to 350 degrees F.
  5. In a Dutch oven or similar large, deep sauté pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots. Sauté until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon salt,and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir and let cook just until the garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  7. Sprinkle the flour over the top. Let cook until the flour is golden and smells lightly nutty, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring until no white bits remain.
  8. Slowly pour in the remaining 1 cup broth, then the milk, adding a few splashes of liquid at a time. Whisk constantly and pause as needed to break up any lumps. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let gently bubble until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
  9. Stir in the oregano and cayenne. Remove from the heat.
  10. Slowly stir in the quinoa, then fold in the white beans and roasted broccoli. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  11. Slowly stir in the Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
  12. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly in the pan. Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella.
  13. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot, about 15 minutes. Turn the oven to broil, then continue cooking until the cheese is lightly browned, about 3 to 4 additional minutes, watching carefully so that the cheese does not burn. Let rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped herbs and serve.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm the casserole in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. It can also be reheated in the microwave. 
  • TO FREEZE: Place leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 
  • TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE: Swap a 1:1 GF baking flour like this one for the all-purpose flour.
  • TO MAKE VEGAN: Dairy is important in this recipe for the best texture. For this reason, I do not have a vegan swap I recommend.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(of 6) Calories 447kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 29mg (10%) Potassium 988mg (28%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 8g (16%) Vitamin A 5903IU (118%) Vitamin C 71mg (79%) Calcium 386mg (39%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 447

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(of 6)
Calories 447kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 51g 17%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Potassium 988mg 21%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 8g 16%
Vitamin A 5903IU 118%
Vitamin C 71mg 79%
Calcium 386mg 39%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.