Beef and Vegetable Casserole with Quinoa and Cheese

This Beef and Vegetable Casserole with Quinoa and Cheese is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines tender ground beef with colorful vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, all topped with a gooey layer of cheese. It's a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering both flavor and sustenance in every bite.

Ingredients

• Ground beef - 200 grams
• Quinoa - 100 grams
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable broth - 300 milliliters
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Shredded cheddar cheese - 100 grams
• Fresh parsley - for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a medium saucepan, cook the quinoa according to package instructions, using vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in the diced zucchini, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
6. Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet along with the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
7. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from beef and quinoa, supporting muscle health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from vegetables, promoting overall well-being.

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