Lightened Up Cheesy Quinoa Lasagna Bake
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.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry uncooked quinoa
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups marinara sauce storebought or homemade
- 8 ounces cheese use your favorite cheese blend; lite/reduced fat/vegan cheese okay, divided, shredded
- 2 tablespoons basil divided, fresh or dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 9 x9 or 9x13, serves 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories 297
% 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.