Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

My husband absolutely loved this casserole. He went back for thirds because of how good it was.

This casserole is similar to the traditional cheesy rice and broccoli casserole, except it uses quinoa instead of rice and real cheese instead of processed cheese. It is still cheesy and creamy like the rice variety, just a healthier version.

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked
• 2 broccoli crowns, cut into small florets (about 12 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400º F.
2. In a medium pot, cook the quinoa in water according to the package directions. Set aside.
3. In a large pot add about 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Add in the broccoli and cover the pot, cook for about 4 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender crisp.
4. Drain the broccoli and rinse with cold water.
5. Return the broccoli back to the pot and stir in the quinoa.
6. In a medium pot, over medium heat, melt the butter.
7. Whisk in the flour, onion, garlic, mustard, cayenne pepper and black pepper. Let cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Slowly whisk in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Cook for 5 minutes stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened, keep the mixture at a simmer, reducing the heat if needed.
9. Remove the mixture from the heat and add in the cheese in several batches, stirring until completely melted. Season with black pepper.
10. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and quinoa, stirring to mix.
11. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is starting to brown.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 247
Total Fat		11.7g
Saturated Fat		5.9g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.8g
Monounsaturated Fat		1g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		32mg
Sodium		206mg
Potassium		369.8mg
Total Carbohydrates		24.4g
Dietary Fiber		3.5g
Sugars		2.4g
Protein		12.4g
Vitamin A 33.4% Vitamin C 84.5%
Calcium 36.5% Iron 2.7%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Today's Taste.