Pizza Quinoa Casserole

Pizza-our love/hate relationship goes WAY back. Love it because it's obviously so yummy and one of my favorite foods...hate it for how it makes my body feel afterwards. Sluggish, tired, just that overall blah feeling. I remember my freshman year in college days when I thought that eating all of those late night pizza's during the week and on the weekend (what was I thinking?) wouldn't ever catch up to me. Oh so wrong.

When I found this recipe, my eyes kinda perked up because honestly I haven't had the best luck with quinoa in the past, but felt this might change my feelings on it. Being a vegetarian, quinoa is such a good source of protein for me, but every time I've cooked with quinoa I've felt it comes out a little bland for my liking. But combining pizza flavors with it? I knew I had to give this a shot and I'm pretty dang happy I did (all of you vegetarian girls out there will love this recipe! and even if you aren't, this is a good meatless monday meal option.)

Billy doesn't like quinoa (well he didn't until I made him try this!), so this casserole provides me with lunch or dinner for about 4 days. I just portioned it out into multiple storage containers and kept them in the fridge until I was ready to eat then reheated them in the microwave. So simple and delicious!

Pizza Quinoa Casserole
recipe inspiration from here

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
1 medium onion
1 green bell pepper
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
3 roma tomatoes
1 cup fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic
15 oz. can tomato sauce (I only used and recommend 12 oz)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional-I didn't use any cheese and it was still great!)
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
Salt

Directions:
+Preheat oven to 375.
+Rinse and cook quinoa: add 3 cups water and quinoa in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until water is absorbed.
+Meanwhile, chop onion, green pepper, tomatoes, and mince garlic.
+In a skillet over medium heat, saute onion, green pepper, and mushrooms with salt for about 10 minutes or until softened.
+Add garlic, stir, and heat for 1 more minute.
+When quinoa is cooked, place it in a large mixing bowl. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, sauteed vegetables (any excess liquid removed), basil, and oregano. Stir to combine.
Spread mixture into a lightly sprayed 9x13 inch dish and gently press down. Top with a light sprinkle of cheese.
+Bake for 20-25 minutes.

 

What are your feelings towards quinoa?

If it's tasted bland to you in the past, give this recipe a shot! The flavors are great and may change your mind! :)