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Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Quinoa Bake is a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings together the best of comfort food and nutrition. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve your family a hearty meal without sacrificing health. Packed with protein from lean ground beef, fiber from quinoa, and essential vitamins from broccoli, this bake is not just delicious but also nourishing. The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful, making it a family favorite.

Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Quinoa Bake

Discover the perfect weeknight meal with this Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Quinoa Bake. Combining lean ground beef, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant broccoli, this dish is packed with protein and fiber while staying deliciously comforting. The creamy cheese sauce ties it all together, making every bite rich and flavorful. Simple to prepare and great for meal prep, this bake is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups beef broth (or water)

1 lb lean ground beef

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and beef broth (or water). Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

    Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Afterward, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

      Blanch the Broccoli: While the beef is cooking, bring a small pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli again, ensuring it’s well drained.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, the beef mixture, the blanched broccoli, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring that the cheeses are evenly incorporated and the mixture is creamy.

          Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Pour the quinoa mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a decadent cheesy crust.

            Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

              Serve: Allow the bake to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. For an extra touch, garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite of your beef and broccoli quinoa bake!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings