Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake

Name: Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 9 x9 or 9x13, serves 8
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups dry; 3 cups water; 2 cups marina sauce; 8 ounces shredded cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh or dried basil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and pepper

User Reviews

4.0

3 reviews

Good

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings
9 x9 or 9x13, serves 8
Calories
297 kcal
Course
Lunch

Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake

Jade Rice

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Lasagna is an all-time classic comfort food, but not exactly lite. A pound each of mozzarella, ricotta, ground beef, sausage, and noodles doesn’t work for me. This lasagna bake is meatless, noodle-less, gluten-free, and uses just 8 ounces cheese for the whole pan. Use vegan cheese to keep it vegan rather than vegetarian. It’s hearty and comforting in a lighter way so you feel full and satisfied, but not stuffed or in a gluten and grease coma. This vegetarian, family-friendly dinner is ready in one hour, makes planned leftovers for lunches the next day, and is budget-friendly, too.

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Ingredients

Servings

1 ½ cups dry uncooked quinoa
3 cups water
2 cups marina sauce storebought or homemade
8 ounces shredded cheese use your favorite cheese blend; lite/reduced fat/vegan cheese okay, divided
2 tablespoons fresh or dried basil divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with water, and heat uncovered over high heat until mixture comes to a boil.
Turn stove to low or simmer, cover, and cook until all the water has evaporated and quinoa has cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and test a bite.
While quinoa is cooking, preheat oven to 375F and spray a medium/large baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. I used this pan and recommend a 9×9-inch pan for thicker lasagna, or 9×13-inch pan for thinner.
Transfer cooked quinoa to a large mixing bowl.
Add the marinara sauce, about two-thirds of the cheese (reserve remainder to be sprinkled on before baking), 1 tablespoon basil (reserve remainder), olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Turn mixture out into prepared baking dish, smoothing it lightly with a spatula and pressing it down gently.
Evenly sprinkle with reserved cheese and reserved basil.
Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until cheese on top is golden and edges are slightly set. Baking times will vary based on the exact dimensions of your baking pan and personal preference. Serve immediately. Extra portion will keep airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Serving 1 Calories 297kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 27g (9%) Protein 12g (24%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 8g Cholesterol 29mg (10%) Sodium 516mg (22%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 3g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 9x9 or 9x13, serves 8

Amount Per Serving

Calories 297 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving	1
Calories	297kcal	15%
Carbohydrates	27g	9%
Protein	12g	24%
Fat	16g	25%
Saturated Fat	6g	30%
Polyunsaturated Fat	8g	47%
Cholesterol	29mg	10%
Sodium	516mg	22%
Fiber	4g	16%
Sugar	3g	6%