Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole is a healthier version of a cheesy comfort food classic, made in a flash, loaded with veggies, and without any of the guilt! Make it even quicker by using some riced broccoli.
Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole
Ok so apparently I opened Pandora's box....
I caved and bought a box of mac and cheese for the kids one night when I just COULD NOT cook anything else (Thanksgiving followed by 2 hosted parties....).
They had never had boxed mac and cheese at home before, and once they realized it was a thing the pestering started every.single.time lunch rolled around.
Don't get me wrong, if you go out and buy all the mac and cheese you want, I will be the last person to judge! I had just managed to dodge that particular bullet for a long time, and giving in changed everything for a while there.
What Does Mac & Cheese Have To Do With Quinoa and Broccoli?
Nothing really.
Except for the time it takes to whip them up.
This is obviously not a mac and cheese recipe, and I am certainly not trying to pass it off as one, but it does come together just as quickly. Which is the point!!
Time (and energy) are things we are all lacking at some point, and that is when we give in to the urge to just grab some convenience foods and be done with it.
This Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole comes together in a flash (seriously, 15 minutes from start to finish), is loaded with 3 cups of veggies, and comes without any of the guilt!
To make it even quicker you can switch things up and:
- use a bag of riced broccoli or riced broccoli you already have in the fridge
- add a bag of riced cauliflower for even more veggies
- use up leftover quinoa and just add the rest of the ingredients and heat through
What To Do With Leftover Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli
- stores well in the fridge for lunch the next day
- use it as a base for a salad bowl like this one
- add an egg or two and some flour depending on how much you have leftover and make some little quinoa and broccoli fritters.
Give it a try and let me know what you think. Happy eating.
Recipe
Goat Cheese Quinoa and Broccoli Casserole in the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 eschallots finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 2 cups broccoli florets finely chopped
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- ¼ cup goat cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
- chilli flakes to taste
Instructions
- Using the sauté function in the instant pot, add some cooking oil of choice. Once hot, add in the eschallots and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add in the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Turn off the sauté function.
- To the pot add in the uncooked quinoa and vegetable stock, pop on the lid, seal and turn the pressure cooker to high for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes do a quick release, open the lid and pop in the broccoli, spinach, goat cheese and water. Give it a quick stir and then pop the lid back on and cook on high pressure for 1 minute.
- After 1 minute, quick release, remove the lid and season to taste. Serve hot as a side, or allow to cool and it makes a great quinoa salad.
Nutrition
Looking for more quick and easy dishes to serve up for lunch? I've got you covered:
Toasted Sesame and Miso Noodle Salad
Quick Coconut Peanut Noodle Salad
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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Olivia says
Do you think you could make this in the slow cooker? And if so, any suggestions as to cooking time? For how many servings is the nutrition facts? Thanks, hope to make this soon!
Donna1 says
Hey Olivia, the nutritional information is for 6 servings. I haven't made it in the slow cooker so I can't guarantee it will work out ok, but if I were to experiment I would try low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-4. Hope it works out for you!
Blithe Raines says
I just made this recipe and it is so clean and simple and delicious! Once again a win Donna! Thank you.
Donna1 says
Oh thank you Blithe, sometimes it's nice to just have something quick and easy on hand for those busy days!
Amy Nash says
This sounds so comforting and wonderful. What is it about broccoli and cheese that always keeps me coming back for more? Yum!
Donna1 says
Broccoli and cheese is definitely a winning combination!!
Sarah says
I can't let myself eat boxed mac and cheese, or I start pestering myself every day to eat it! hahaha. This looks much healthier and filling- YUM!
Donna1 says
It's ridiculous isn't it!! It really doesn't even taste that good but for some reason it is so moreish you convince yourself you need it!! Glad they are over that little fad now 🙂
Leah says
This sounds just delicious! I love the flavors in here, and anything with goat cheese I am allllll over! I just got an instant pot for Christmas, so I am totally excited to make this!
Donna1 says
Oh yay, they are the best once you get the hang of them! And I am totally with you on the goat cheese!!
Jenni LeBaron says
I love goat cheese in everything. The quinoa is a great substitute for rice in this!
Donna1 says
Me too, goat's cheese is the best 🙂
Gina Marie says
I love how quick this meal is but still healthy. I sometimes catch myself still in an old-school cooking method. my meals take forever to make I got to get instant pot soon! looks delicious!
Donna1 says
Sometimes the old school method is more fun though!! I love nothing better than taking my time with a good risotto and a glass of wine. When I have hungry toddlers though....the Instant pot is gold 🙂
Ayngelina says
There are so many things I love about this casserole. I think broccoli is so underrated compared to sexy kale but has so much great texture. And who doesn't love goat cheese? All around with quinoa this makes for a lunch I can get excited about.
Donna1 says
Yay!! It's so simple, but such a great combination! I have been inhaling this for lunch all week 🙂