Cheesy Quinoa Spinach and Mushroom Casserole

Did you know quinoa is the only grain that provides a full protein? This is why you will find beans and rice paired together so often, they need one another to form a complete protein. If you are a vegetarian you probably already knew that. This is a great grain to give your kids if they are turned off by meat.

The up front cost of quinoa might be a turn off for many, but it is so worth it! With brown rice you use 2 cup of liquid per 1 cup of rice, tripling your end results. Quinoa does this also. This is something to keep in mind when determining cost. The best price I have found on quinoa is $11.xx/4lbs at Costco. I've had my bag since September.

Ingredients:

2 cloves of garlic, minced(I use the minced jarred kind which is 1tsp)

1/3 cup red onion, chopped finely

2 cups quinoa

2 cups shredded cheese ( I use sharp cheddar)

2/3 cups milk

4 eggs

8oz mushrooms

10 oz spinach

4 cups liquid(I highly recommend using a flavored liquid, I use all chicken broth)

2tsp of salt only if you used just water to cook the quinoa

optional- more cheese to top it once cooked

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 and grease or spray 9x13 pan

cook quinoa according to package in broth (be sure you rinse the quinoa before cooking it!)

saute the mushrooms in oil for 2-3 minutes, add the onion and garlic and saute until translucent

add the spinach and cook until all of it is wilted

beat the eggs, cheese and milk together(and salt if you used water to cook your quinoa)

add the cooked quinoa and vegetables to the milk, egg and cheese mixture, blend well

pour into prepared pan and bake for 50-56 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean when
inserted in middle

optional- top with extra cheese and put back in the oven for an additional 5 -10 minutes to melt cheese



Serves 12
I used this recipe for guidance when creating my own.








this post is linked to:
$5 Dinner Challenge
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Tasty Tuesday
Pennywise Platter Thursday
Life As Mom Ultimate Recipe Swap Thursday
The Way to a Man’s Heart
Food on Fridays