If you are looking for a wholesome yet irresistibly delicious dish, this Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a beautiful harmony of nutty quinoa and perfectly roasted broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy cheesy sauce made with Greek yogurt and sharp cheeses. This casserole brings hearty comfort and vibrant nutrition together in every bite, making it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or a potluck hit that everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, delivering layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole stand out. From the creamy Greek yogurt adding a tangy richness to the roasted broccoli that gives a delightful caramelized bite, these simple yet essential components come together beautifully.
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth: This forms the flavorful base for cooking the quinoa and creating the sauce’s moisture.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa: A protein-packed grain that provides a hearty, nutty foundation for the casserole.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting and sautéing, it adds a lovely richness and depth.
- 1 pound chopped broccoli florets: The star vegetable, roasting brings out its natural sweetness and crunch.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (divided): Adds subtle heat and earthiness.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Provides a gentle sweetness and savory base in the sauté.
- 3 medium carrots, diced: For a touch of natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Lifts the entire dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an herby Mediterranean note.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Adds an exciting little kick if you like a hint of spice.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheesy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup non-fat milk: Keeps the sauce creamy without being heavy.
- 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt: Gives the casserole its signature tangy and creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy stretch.
- 3/4 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (divided): Offers a bold flavor punch and golden crust.
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creaminess and extra plant-based protein.
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, dill, or thyme): For bright, fresh garnishing to finish the dish.
How to Make Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by positioning your oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease two large rimmed baking sheets with nonstick spray—these will host your broccoli as it roasts to caramelized perfection. Also, lightly coat your casserole dish to prepare it for baking later. These small prep steps set the stage for a perfectly cooked, golden-topped casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
Bring 2 cups of broth and quinoa to a low boil in a saucepan, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming. Fluffing it with a fork ensures each grain stays light and separate, providing a lovely texture contrast in your casserole.
Step 3: Roast the Broccoli
Toss your broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, making sure they’re evenly coated. Spread them out on your prepared baking sheets so they roast evenly with a beautiful, crispy finish. After 10 minutes roasting, give them a gentle toss and switch the racks for even browning. In another 5 to 10 minutes, expect your broccoli to be crisp-tender with irresistible darkened tips that bring a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables and Make the Sauce
In a deep sauté pan, heat olive oil and soften the onions and carrots until tender and fragrant. Add garlic, seasonings, and then sprinkle in the flour for a quick roux. Slowly whisk in broth and milk to create a creamy sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until it thickens just right, then stir in oregano and cayenne for that gentle herby warmth.
Step 5: Combine and Build Your Casserole Base
Remove your pan from heat and gently fold in the cooked quinoa, cannellini beans, and your roasted broccoli florets. This cozy mixture is bursting with textures and flavors that feel both hearty and fresh at once. Then stir in the Greek yogurt and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, adding that creamy tang and cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to ensure a bubbly, golden crust when baked. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F until the cheese melts and the casserole is thoroughly heated through—about 15 minutes. For that final wow factor, broil for 3 to 4 minutes until the topping is beautifully browned and just before it starts to burn. A five-minute rest lets everything settle, so your Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme just before serving. These herbs add a fresh burst of color and an aromatic lift that balances the cheesy richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can also add a refreshing punch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a vinaigrette, or roasted root vegetables for extra heartiness. Consider some crusty garlic bread or warm pita to scoop up any cheesy bits that melt over the edges. These sides complement the casserole’s richness while keeping the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the casserole family-style right from the baking dish for a cozy, communal experience, or portion it out into individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. For gatherings, layering it in a trifle glass as a savory parfait with alternating broccoli and quinoa layers topped with herbs can be a stunning presentation that invites curiosity and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it just as tasty, if not better, the next day when reheated.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but oven reheating helps maintain the casserole’s texture and ensures the cheese topping stays wonderfully melty and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa adds a lovely nutty flavor and protein, feel free to use rice, barley, or even couscous. Adjust the liquid accordingly, as cooking times and absorption vary between grains.
Is there a good substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or crème fraîche can be delightful substitutes, providing similar creaminess and tang. Just be aware of subtle flavor differences that might slightly change the overall taste.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Yes! Replace the dairy cheeses with your favorite plant-based cheeses, use a non-dairy yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt, and opt for vegetable broth over chicken broth. The roasted vegetables and quinoa will remain just as wonderful!
What if I don’t have cannellini beans?
Great question! You can swap cannellini beans with navy beans, white kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture. Beans add creaminess and protein, so don’t skip them entirely if possible.
How spicy is the cayenne pepper in this recipe?
It’s a gentle hint of heat just to enhance the savory depth without overwhelming the dish. You can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor, or increase slightly for more kick. Remember, it’s always easier to add spice later than to cool things down!
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe is such a treasure to have in your kitchen repertoire. It feels like a warm hug on a plate – nourishing, cheesy, and bursting with fresh roasted goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy and maybe even surprise you with how wholesome comfort food can be. Give it a try this week, and get ready to fall in love!
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Broccoli Quinoa Casserole with Cheesy Greek Yogurt and Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Quinoa Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dish combining nutty quinoa, roasted broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce. It features a balance of textures with roasted crisp-tipped broccoli florets, tender quinoa, and a luscious mix of Greek yogurt and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or side, this casserole is packed with veggies and protein, ideal for a nutritious family meal.
Ingredients
Broccoli and Quinoa
- 3 cups low sodium vegetable broth or low sodium chicken broth (divided)
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 pound chopped broccoli florets (about 4 broccoli crowns)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided, plus additional as needed)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 medium carrots (cut into 1/4 to 1/3-inch dice)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup non-fat milk
- 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese (divided; fontina or provolone can be substituted)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
Beans and Garnish
- 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
- Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, dill, or thyme (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 400°F. Generously coat 2 large rimmed baking sheets and a 9×13-inch (or similar) casserole dish with nonstick spray; set aside.
- Cook Quinoa: In a large saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth and quinoa to a low boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Roast Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Spread evenly over the two prepared baking sheets. Roast on upper and lower oven racks for 10 minutes. Toss broccoli, redistribute, swap the pans between racks, and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes until browned and tips are crisp. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and diced carrots and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Season: Stir in minced garlic, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, until the flour becomes golden and nutty-smelling, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually whisk in the remaining 1 cup broth and milk, adding liquid slowly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and cook gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often until slightly thickened.
- Season Sauce: Stir in dried oregano and optional cayenne pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked quinoa into the sauce, then fold in the cannellini beans and roasted broccoli. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Gently stir in Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and casserole is hot throughout.
- Broil for Finish: Turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs before serving to add fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Roasting broccoli until crisp enhances its flavor and texture in the casserole.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, adjust to your spice preference.
- Greek yogurt adds creaminess without excess fat; do not substitute with sour cream for best texture.
- You can substitute mozzarella and cheddar with fontina or provolone for different cheese profiles.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baked cold.
- For vegan adaptation, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.